Substance profile
Propanal
Propanal is a liquid with a suffocating, fruity odor.
01 · Identification
What Propanal is
Propanal is a liquid with a suffocating, fruity odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O and its molecular weight is 58.08 g/mol. It boils at 48 °C, melts at -80 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Propanal
- propionaldehyde
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P337, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propanal properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 48 °C (118.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 48.89 °C (120 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 49 °C (120.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -80 °C (-112 °F) | HSDB | |
| -81.11 °C (-114 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -81 °C (-113.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.8 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.805 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.8657 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether | HSDB | |
| SOL IN CHLOROFORM | HSDB | ||
| In water, 3.06X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 235 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 234.769 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 317 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -30 °C (-22 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| -9.44 °C (15 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -30 °C (-22 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 207.22 °C (405 °F) | HSDB | |
| 207 °C (404.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.9 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 17 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| Odor threshold | 1 ppm. | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 222.78 °C (433 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propanal
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat and oxidizers. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet. Separate from oxidizing materials and other reactive hazards.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PROPIONALDEHYDE may form explosive peroxides. Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame [Lewis]. Incompatible with strong bases and strong reducing agents. Vigorous polymerization reaction with methyl methacrylate. Polymerization may also occur in the presence of acids or caustics (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propanal in the storage compatibility matrix →