acetaldehyde

[ as-i-tal-duh-hahyd ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a volatile, colorless, water-soluble liquid, C 2 H 4 O, having a pungent, fruitlike odor: used chiefly in the silvering of mirrors and in organic synthesis.

acetaldehyde

/ ˌæsɪˈtældɪˌhaɪd /

noun

1. a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH 3 CHO Systematic nameethanal

acetaldehyde

/ ăs′ĭ-tăl′də-hīd′ /

1. A colorless, flammable liquid, used to manufacture acetic acid, perfumes, and drugs. Chemical formula: C 2 H 4 O .

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetaldehyde¹

First recorded in 1875–80; acet- + aldehyde

Example Sentences

She explains that exposing wine to oxygen triggers chemical reactions that turn alcohol into acetaldehyde.

From Popular-Science

The substance investigated was acetaldehyde, C2H4O, in its relation to paraldehyde, a polymeric modification.

From Project Gutenberg

Acetaldehyde, which is halfway between alcohol and acid, may also be easily oxidized to acetic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Metaldehyde (C2H4O2)2, obtained by treating acetaldehyde at a low temperature with hydrochloric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

The decomposition of pyruvic acid into acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide has already been fully discussed (Chapter VI).

From Project Gutenberg

Important evidence as to the specific capability of yeast to reduce acetaldehyde to alcohol has been obtained by several workers.

From Project Gutenberg