Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CHO. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, fruity odor. Here are some key points about acetaldehyde:
- Chemical Structure: Acetaldehyde consists of two carbon atoms, one oxygen atom, and four hydrogen atoms. Its structure is CH3CHO, where the carbon atom in the middle is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom and singly bonded to a hydrogen atom and a methyl group (CH3).
- Occurrence: Acetaldehyde can be found naturally in various ripe fruits, coffee, and heated milk. It is also produced by the oxidation of ethanol (alcohol) by enzymes in the liver and other tissues in humans, making it an intermediate product in alcohol metabolism.
