Chemical Properties
Isobutyraldehyde has a characteristic sharp, pungent odor. Industrially, it is mainly hydrogenated to produce isobutanol. The addition reaction of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde produces hydroxytrimethylacetaldehyde, which is then hydrogenated to form neopentyl glycol, which is used as a raw material for varnishes, resins, fibers and lubricants.
Physical properties
colourless liquid with an extremely unpleasant smell. Miscible in ethanol, benzene, carbon disulfide, acetone, toluene, chloroform and ether, slightly soluble in water (1:125).
Occurrence
Reported found in apple and currant aromas and in the essential oils from tobacco leaves and tea leaves, also in
the essential oils of Pinus jeffreyi Murr. leaves, Citrus aurantium leaves, and Datura stramonium. Reported found in apple, banana,
sweet and sour cherry, currants, kohlrabi, carrots, celery, peas, potato, tomato, peppermint, corn mint and spearmint oil, vinegar,
wheat and rye breads, cheeses, butter, yogurt, egg, caviar, fatty fish, meats, hop oil, beer, brandy, rum, sherry, cider, whiskies, grape
wines, cocoa, coffee, tea, filberts, peanuts, popcorn, oats, soybeans, honey, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, cauliflower, pear and apple
brandy, rice, sukiyaki, malt, loquat, clary sage, shrimps, truffle, scallops and squid
Uses
In the synthesis of pantothenic acid, valine, leucine, cellulose esters, perfumes, flavors, plasticizers, resins, gasoline additives.
Uses
Isobutyraldehyde is used as an intermediate in the preparation of isobutanol, methacrolein, hydroxypivaldehyde and neopentyl glycol. It is actively involved in the Cannizaro reaction. It is also used as an intermediate to prepare pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, rubber accelerators, textile auxiliaries, perfumery and flavors.
Uses
Isobutyraldehyde is used in the synthesisof cellulose esters, resins, and plasticizers;in the preparation of pantothenic acid andvaline; and in flavors.
Definition
ChEBI: Isobutyraldehyde is a member of the class of propanals that is propanal substituted by a methyl group at position 2. It has a role as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite. It is a member of propanals and a 2-methyl-branched fatty aldehyde.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 0.4 to 43 ppb
General Description
Isobutyl aldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point of -40°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Oxidizes slowly on exposure to air. Stable (less than 10% decomposition) for four hours when exposed to light and air in a closed system. Stable for two weeks when stored under nitrogen at temperatures up to 77°F. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Isobutyraldehyde(78-84-2) can react vigorously with reducing agents, with oxidizing agents, strong bases and mineral acids. Can undergo exothermic self-condensation or polymerization reactions that are often catalyzed by acid. Generates flammable and/or toxic gases in combination with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Reacts slowly when exposed to air with air to give peroxides and other products. These reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by their products). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) retards autoxidation.
Hazard
Highly flammable, dangerous fire and
explosion risk. Irritant to skin and eyes.
Health Hazard
Isobutyraldehyde is a moderate skin and eyeirritant; the effect may be slightly greaterthan that of n-butyraldehyde. An amounttotaling 500 mg in 24 hours produced severeskin irritation in rabbits; 100 mg causedmoderate eye irritation.
The toxicity of isobutyraldehyde determinedon test animals was very low. Exposureto 8000 ppm (23,600 mg/m3) for 4 hours waslethal to rats.
LD50 value, oral (rats): 2810 mg/kg.
Health Hazard
Vapor is irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Vapors are heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Fires are difficult to control due to ease of reignition.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.
Carcinogenicity
Isobutyraldehyde is not mutagenic
in various strains of S. typhimurium and is
noncarcinogenic in rats and mice.
Purification Methods
Dry isobutyraldehyde with CaSO4 and use it immediately after distillation under nitrogen because of the great difficulty in preventing oxidation. It can be purified through its acid bisulfite derivative. [Beilstein 1 IV 3262.]
Toxics Screening Level
The ITSL for lsobutyraldehyde is 160 μg/m3, with annual averaging time.
Waste Disposal
Isobutyraldehyde is burned in a chemicalincinerator equipped with an afterburner andscrubber.
