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ChEBI: A dialdehyde that is propane substituted by two oxo groups at the terminal carbon atoms respectively. A biomarker of oxidative damage to lipids caused by smoking. It exists in vivo mainly in the enol form.

Propanedial, exists in horseradish hairy root taht has shown strong antioxidant capacity under arsenic stress which indicates possible use of Armoracia rusticana plants for phytoremediation.

Unstable and easily polymerizes. The generation of MDA in situ from  the hydrolysis of its bis-acetals results in the formation of a number of side products, including β- alkoxyacrolein, 3,3-dialkoxypropionaldehyde, and fluorescent condensation polymers of MDA. Crystalline  sodium MDA, which is much more stable than MDA, is the recommended synthetic reagent. Sodium MDA,  if stored under nitrogen in a refrigerator, is stable for months.