Chemicals and Drugs

Acetaldehyde

A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis.

Chemical Identity

Chemical Information

Molecular Formula
C2H4O
Molecular Weight
44.05 g/mol
CAS Registry No.
75-07-0
IUPAC Name
acetaldehyde
InChIKey
IKHGUXGNUITLKF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CC=O
MeSH Unique ID
D000079
Source
PubChem CID 177

MeSH Record

Classification

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Ethanal

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

25 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analogs & derivatives, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Acetaldehyde. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000079. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000079
  2. Acetaldehyde. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetaldehyde
  3. Acetaldehyde. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61457
  4. Acetaldehyde. In: PubChem Compound. CID 177. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/177