Basic Information

Chinese Name:正丙醛

English Name:Propionaldehyde

Chemical Formula：C₃H₆O

Molecular Weight：58.08 g/mol

Appearance & Odor：Colorless transparent liquid, with a strong pungent irritating odor, volatile

Boiling Point: 48.8℃(normal pressure)

Melting Point: -81℃

Density: 0.807 g/cm³ (20℃)

Flash Point: -26℃ (closed cup), Extremely Flammable

Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble in water (20g/100mL at 20℃); miscible with ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene and most organic solvents

CAS No.：123-38-6

Synonyms：n-Propionaldehyde, Propanal, n-Propyl Aldehyde

Solvent Properties

Solubility

As a polar aliphatic aldehyde solvent, it is slightly soluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, ketones, esters and aromatic hydrocarbons.

It has good solubility for resins, oils, waxes, organic intermediates and many synthetic polymers, and is often used as a co-solvent and diluent in organic synthesis.

Solvent Characteristics

Strong volatility and low boiling point, belonging to fast-volatile solvents, which can accelerate the drying and film-forming speed of coatings and inks.

It has good compatibility with alcohols, esters, ethers and hydrocarbon solvents, and can adjust the polarity and volatilization rate of the mixed solvent system.

Chemically active at room temperature, easy to undergo oxidation, reduction, addition and condensation reactions; easy to be oxidized to propionic acid in air, and prone to polymerization under acidic or alkaline conditions.

Main Applications

Organic Synthesis & Chemical Manufacturing

Key raw material for the synthesis of propionic acid, n-propanol, propylene glycol, polyvinyl propionaldehyde and other chemical products.

Used as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plasticizers, rubber accelerators and fragrances.

As a reaction solvent and condensing agent in organic synthesis, it participates in aldol condensation, reduction and addition reactions.

Coating & Resin Industry

Used as a solvent and crosslinking agent for alkyd resins, acrylic resins and nitrocellulose coatings to improve the hardness, adhesion and weather resistance of paint films.

Raw material for the production of polyvinyl propionaldehyde resin, which is widely used in the manufacture of safety glass interlayers, coatings and adhesives.

Fragrance & Pharmaceutical Industry

Used in the synthesis of food flavors and daily chemical fragrances, such as the preparation of fruit flavors and floral fragrances.

As a pharmaceutical intermediate, it is used in the synthesis of vitamins, antibiotics and other drug raw materials.

Other Fields

Used as a solvent and cleaning agent in the electronic and printing industries, and as a rubber antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor in the rubber industry.

Also used as a fuel additive and a raw material for organic electroplating additives.

Safety

Hazard Classifications

Extremely Flammable: Low flash point, volatile vapor is easy to form explosive mixture with air, explosion limit is 2.3%~17.0% (volume fraction).

Toxic & Irritant: Highly irritating to eyes, skin, respiratory tract and mucous membranes; inhalation of high concentration vapor can cause headache, nausea, respiratory tract inflammation and even central nervous system inhibition.

Unstable: Easy to oxidize and deteriorate in air, and prone to polymerization under heating, acid or alkaline conditions, releasing heat and causing danger.

Handling Precautions

Operate in an explosion-proof, well-ventilated environment, strictly prohibit open fire, static electricity and heat sources; use explosion-proof electrical equipment and tools.

Wear chemical safety goggles, anti-virus respirators, anti-static rubber gloves and protective clothing to avoid direct contact and inhalation of vapor.

Avoid contact with strong oxidants, strong acids, strong alkalis and reducing agents to prevent combustion, explosion and polymerization reactions.

Storage Requirements

Store in a cool, dry, explosion-proof and ventilated warehouse, the storage temperature should be controlled below 30℃, away from fire, heat sources, oxidants and acids.

Sealed storage with inert gas (nitrogen) protection to prevent oxidation and polymerization; use explosion-proof and corrosion-resistant packaging containers.

Store separately from other flammable, toxic and corrosive substances, and equip the storage area with fire-fighting and explosion-proof equipment such as carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers.

Emergency First Aid

Skin Contact: Immediately take off contaminated clothing, rinse the affected area with plenty of flowing water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention if irritation occurs.

Eye Contact: Lift the eyelids immediately, rinse with plenty of water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes, and send to hospital immediately.

Inhalation: Quickly move the victim to a place with fresh air, keep the airway unobstructed; give oxygen if breathing is difficult, and perform artificial respiration and seek medical attention immediately if breathing stops.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, drink plenty of water or milk for dilution, and send to hospital for gastric lavage and treatment immediately.