Chemical Properties
Acetal is a clear, colorless, and extremely fl
ammable liquid with an agreeable odor. The
vapor may cause fl
ash fi
re. Acetal is sensitive to light and on storage may form peroxides.
In fact, it has been reported to be susceptible to autoxidation and should, therefore, be
classifi
ed as peroxidizable. Acetal is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and acids.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Boiling point 103-104°C. Flash point-5°F. Density 0.831 g/cm3. Slightly soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Moderately toxic and narcotc in high concentrations.
Reactivity Profile
ACETAL(105-57-7) can react vigorously with oxidizing agents. Stable in base but readily decomposed by dilute acids. Forms heat-sensitive explosive peroxides on contact with air. Old samples have been known to explode when heated due to peroxide formation [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 5].
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Forms heat-sensitive explosive peroxides on contact with air. Slightly soluble in water.
Health Hazard
Exposures to acetal cause irritation to the eyes, skin, gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomit-
ing, and diarrhea. In high concentrations, acetal produces narcotic effects in workers.
Health Hazard
May irritate the upper respiratory tract. High concentrations act as a central nervous system depressant. Symptoms of exposure include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Potential Exposure
Used as a solvent; in synthetic perfumes, such as jasmine, cosmetics, flavors; in organic synthesis.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap immediately. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, and transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Shipping
UN1088 Acetal, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid. UN1988 Aldehydes, flammable, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required
Incompatibilities
Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids. These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation. Presumed to form explosive peroxides on contact with air and light. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.
Occurrence
Present.in.some.liquors.(e.g.,.sake,.whiskey.and.cognac);.also.detected.and.quantitatively.assessed.in.rums.. Found.in.apple.juice,.orange.juice,.orange.peel.oil,.bitter.orange.juice,.strawberry.fruit,.raw.radish,.Chinese.quince.fruit,.Chinese. quince.flesh,.udo.(Aralia cordata Thunb.)
Uses
Solvent; in synthetic perfumes such as jasmine; in organic syntheses.
Definition
A type of organic compound
formed by addition of an alcohol to
an aldehyde. Addition of one alcohol molecule
gives a hemiacetal. Further addition
yields the full acetal. Similar reactions
occur with ketones to produce hemiketals
and ketals.
Aroma threshold values
Detection:.4.to.42.ppb
Fire Hazard
Highly flammable; flash point (closed cup)
-21°C (-6°F); vapor density 4.1 (air =
1), vapor heavier than air and can travel
some distance to a source of ignition and
flash back; autoignition temperature 230°C
(446°F); vapor forms explosive mixtures
with air, LEL and UEL values are 1.6% and
10.4% by volume in air, respectively (DOT
Label: Flammable Liquid, UN 1088).
.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Industrial uses
Acetal homopolymer resins have high tensilestrength, stiffness, resilience, fatigue endurance,and moderate toughness under repeatedimpact. Some tough grades can deliver up to 7times greater toughness than unmodified acetalin Izod impact tests and up to 30 times greatertoughness as measured by Gardner impact tests.
Automotive applications of acetal homopolymerresins include fuel-system and seat-beltcomponents, steering columns, window-supportbrackets, and handles. Typical plumbingapplications that have replaced brass or zinccomponents are showerheads, ball cocks, faucetcartridges, and various fittings. Consumer itemsinclude quality toys, garden sprayers, stereocassette parts, butane lighter bodies, zippers,and telephone components. Industrial applicationsof acetal homopolymer include couplings,pump impellers, conveyor plates, gears, sprockets,and springs.
Metabolism
When acetal was fed at a level of 5% in the diet for 6 days, availability of energy was 64% in chicks and 29% in rats (Yoshida et al. 1970 & 1971). Acetal is rapidly hydrolysed in the stomach(Knoefel, 1934). The resulting acetaldehyde is readily oxidized to acetic acid and eventually to carbon dioxide and water(Williams, 1959).
Purification Methods
Dry acetal over Na to remove alcohols and H2O, and to polymerise aldehydes, then fractionally distil. Or, treat it with alkaline H2O2 at 40-45o to remove aldehydes, then saturate with NaCl, separate, dry with K2CO3 and distil it from Na [Vogel J Chem Soc 616 1948]. [Beilstein 1 IV 3103.]
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