Paraldehyde
Agent Name
Paraldehyde
CAS Number
123-63-7
Formula
C6-H12-O3
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
1,3,5-Trimethyl-2,4,6-trioxane; 1,3,5-Trioxane, 2,4,6-trimethyl-; 2,4,6-Trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxaan [Dutch]; 2,4,6-Trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxacyclohexane; 2,4,6-Trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane; 2,4,6-Trimethyl-s-trioxane; 2,4,6-Trimetil-1,3,5-triossano; 2,4,6-Trimetil-1,3,5-triossano [Italian]; Acetaldehyde, trimer; Elaldehyde; Paracetaldehyde; Paral; Paraldehyd [German]; Paraldehyde Draught (BPC 1973); Paraldehyde Enema (BPC 1973); Paraldeide [Italian]; Triacetaldehyde [French]; p-Acetaldehyde; s-Trimethyltrioxymethylene; [ChemIDplus] UN1264
Category
Aldehydes
Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor; Decomposes on standing; Soluble in water; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Used as a substitute for acetaldehyde, an intermediate for dyes and other organic compounds, a solvent (fats, oils, waxes, gums, and resins), a rubber accelerator, and a medication (anticonvulsant and sedative); [HSDB] No longer prescribed as a medication; Was used as a motor fuel from 1939-1945; [Ullmann]
Comments
A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Causes sedation and respiratory depression when ingested; May cause injury to the liver and kidneys; [ICSC] A severe eye irritant; Targets CNS, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
11 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 4,000 ppm/4h
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
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
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.