acrolein

American  

[uh-kroh-lee-in] / əˈkroʊ li ɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a yellow, flammable liquid, C 3 H 4 O, having a stifling odor, usually obtained by the decomposition of glycerol: used chiefly in the synthesis of commercial and pharmaceutical products.

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acrolein British  

/ əˈkrəʊlɪɪn /

noun

1. a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH 2 :CHCHO

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Etymology

Origin of acrolein

1855–60; < Latin ācr- (stem of ācer ) sharp + olē ( re ) to smell + -in ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acrolein

Two toxic air contaminants present in California’s ambient air, acrolein and ethylene oxide, appear to be much stronger carcinogens than previously known, California environmental health officials announced Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026

Short-term exposure to acrolein by inhalation can cause nose and throat irritation and a decreased breathing rate.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026

Blood and urine will be screened for exposure to chemicals present or suspected to be present at the derailment, including dioxins, vinyl chloride, acrolein and butyl acrylate.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 25, 2023

In addition to acrolein, the group found higher concentrations of four more acrolein-like compounds around East Palestine than in surrounding areas, as well as another compound of concern in certain hot spots.

From Scientific American ● Mar. 24, 2023

Some of the more volatile fatty acids are driven off, and the fats break down to give a larger percentage of free fatty acids, some light esters, acrolein, and formic acid.

From All About Coffee by William H. (William Harrison) Ukers