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In organic chemistry, propanal or propionaldehyde is the aldehyde of the 3 carbon propyl group. It has a chemical formula of CH3CH2CHO, and is a structural isomer of propanone. At room temperature, it is a colourless liquid with a slightly irritating, fruity odour.
Production
Propanal is mainly produced through the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, combining synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) with ethene over a metal catalyst:
- CO + H2 + C2H4 → CH3CH2CHO
Uses
It is principally used to make trimethylolethane through condensation with methanol; this process is important in the production of alkyd resins.
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