Nomenclature
CAS number: 9002-91-9
Metacetaldehyde.
Description and references
Polymer of acetaldehyde. (C2H4O)n. Prepd by polymerization of acetaldehyde
in the presence of HCl, H2SO4 at low temp:
Kekule, Zincke, Ann. 162, 125 (1872); in the presence of pyridine and HBr: R. S. Wilder, US 2426961 (1947 to Publicker
Ind.). Use as molluscicide: R. M. Coloso et
al., Crop Prot. 17, 669 (1998).
Properties
Prisms, mp 246° in sealed tube. Sublimes at about 112°, but dec
with partial regeneration of aldehyde above 80°. Flammable. Practically insol in water. Sol in benzene,
chloroform; sparingly sol in alcohol, ether.Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure
by ingestion are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
convulsions, coma. See Clinical
Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin et al., Eds. (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 5th ed., 1984)
p II-187.Use
In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol;
molluscicide.