7027. Paraldehyde
Nomenclature
CAS number: 123-63-7
2,4,6-Trimethyl-1,3,5-trioxane; paracetaldehyde; Paral (Forest). C6H12O3; mol wt 132.16.
C 54.53%, H 9.15%, O 36.32%.
Description and references
A polymer of acetaldehyde. Prepd by the polymerization of acetaldehyde catalyzed by HCl and H2SO4 at medium to high temp: Kekulé, Zincke, Ann. 162, 125 (1872); Baer, Mahan, US 2864827 (1958 to Phillips). Toxicity data: Figot et al., Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol. 8, 290 (1952).
Properties
Liquid, characteristic aromatic odor and warm, but disagreeable taste. d2525 ≈0.994. bp ≈124°. mp 12°. nD20 1.4049. Flammable. Sol in 8 parts water at 25°, in 17 parts boiling water; miscible with alc, chloroform, ether, oils. Gives acetaldehyde on heating with dil HCl or on warming with several drops concd H2SO4. LD50 orally in rats: 1.65 g/kg (Figot).Note
This is a controlled substance (depressant): 21 CFR, 1308.14.Use
Manuf organic compounds.Therapeutic Category
Sedative; hypnotic.
Keywords
Sedative/Hypnotic