Acrolein

C₃H₄O

IUPAC: Prop-2-enal

CAS: 107-02-8

Overview

Acrolein is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde and one of the most irritating compounds known. It is produced when fats are overheated and is a major component of cigarette smoke.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
7.2%
C
Carbon ×3
64.3%
O
Oxygen ×1
28.5%

Uses

  • • Herbicide production
  • • Chemical intermediate
  • • Biocide for water treatment

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Responsible for the acrid smell when frying oil is overheated, and is a key toxin in cigarette smoke

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely toxic
  • ⚠ Lachrymator
  • ⚠ Flammable

Structure

SMILES

C=CC=O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
56.06 g/mol
Density
0.8410 g/cm³
Melting Point
-87.7 °C
Boiling Point
52.6 °C
Solubility
206 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
56.0262
XLogP
0.0
TPSA
17.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
30.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acrolein?
Acrolein (C₃H₄O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Prop-2-enal.
What is the molecular weight of Acrolein?
Acrolein has a molar mass of 56.06 g/mol.
What state is Acrolein at room temperature?
Acrolein is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Acrolein organic or inorganic?
Acrolein is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Acrolein?
Acrolein (C₃H₄O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).