Propionaldehyde
Agent Name
Propionaldehyde
CAS Number
123-38-6
Formula
C3-H6-O
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Aldehyde propionique [French]; Methylacetaldehyde; PROPIONALDEHYDE; Propaldehyde; Propanal; Propanaldehyde; Propional; Propionaldehyde (natural); Propionic aldehyde; Propyl aldehyde; Propylaldehyde; Propylic aldehyde; n-Propanal; [ChemIDplus] UN1275
Category
Aldehydes
Description
Liquid with a suffocating odor; [Merck Index] Clear colorless liquid with an overpowering fruity odor; [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
Used to make propionic acid, trimethylolethane, polyvinyl and other plastics, and rubber, medicinal, and agricultural chemicals; Also used as a disinfectant, preservative, and flavoring agent; [HSDB] Used as a chemical intermediate in closed systems and not contained in consumer products; [AIHA] Used almost exclusively (thought to be >99%) as a closed system intermediate and transported by bulk carrier; [OECD SIDS]
Comments
If left on clothing, can cause reddening of skin; [CHRIS] Propionaldehyde is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] May form explosive peroxides; Vapor is irritating to eyes and respiratory tract; A severe skin and eye irritant; [ICSC] Causes pulmonary edema in lethal concentration studies in animals; [AIHA] Vapors (and peroxides that may be produced) are explosive; May vigorously polymerize; Vapors cause nose and throat irritation and may cause nausea and vomiting; An eye irritant; [CAMEO] Causes eye and respiratory tract irritation in humans at 14-16 mg/m3; Inhalation of 1,300 ppm for 6 days caused liver damage in rats; [HSDB] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] No specific adverse effects observed to reproduction or developing offspring in experimental animals; [OECD SIDS] See "ALDEHYDES."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
No
TLV (ACGIH)
20 ppm
Vapor Pressure
317 mm Hg
RD50
2070 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 8,000 ppm/4hr
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = -30 deg C (closed cup); VP from HSDB;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
WEEL
20 ppm
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: