The preferred IUPAC name for propionaldehyde is Propanal.
Propanal is a straightforward organic compound belonging to the aldehyde family. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, and its name reflects its chemical structure based on the systematic rules established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
Understanding Propanal
Propanal is an aldehyde with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂CHO. It consists of a three-carbon chain (hence "prop-") and an aldehyde functional group (-CHO) at the end of the chain (hence "-al"). This structure makes it the simplest straight-chain aldehyde after acetaldehyde (ethanal).
Nomenclature and Alternative Names
In chemistry, substances often have multiple names, including common or trivial names and systematic IUPAC names. While Propanal is the officially recognized preferred IUPAC name, the compound is also widely known by other names, such as propionaldehyde. These alternative names are often derived from historical usage or common functional group naming conventions.
Here's a summary of its various names and identifiers:
| Name Type | Name / Identifier |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC Name | Propanal |
| Other Names | Methylacetaldehyde, Propionic aldehyde, Propaldehyde, Propan-1-one |
| CAS Number | 123-38-6 |
Why Propanal?
The IUPAC naming system aims to provide a unique and unambiguous name for every chemical compound based on its structure. For aldehydes, the naming convention involves:
- Identifying the longest carbon chain containing the aldehyde group. In propanal, this is a three-carbon chain.
- Using the prefix corresponding to the number of carbons (e.g., "meth-" for one, "eth-" for two, "prop-" for three). For three carbons, the prefix is "prop-".
- Replacing the "-e" ending of the corresponding alkane name with "-al" to denote an aldehyde. Thus, propane becomes propanal.
Chemical Properties and Applications
Propanal is a reactive compound used in various industrial applications. It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, including plastics, resins, and pharmaceuticals. It can participate in many typical aldehyde reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, and aldol condensation. Its distinctive odor also makes it relevant in certain flavor and fragrance compositions, albeit in highly diluted forms.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Propanal Wikipedia page.
