Acrolein From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search AcroleinGeneralSystematic nameAcrylaldehydeOther namesAcraldehyde Acrylic Aldehyde Allyl Aldehyde Ethylene Aldehyde Molecular formulaC3H4OSMILESC(=O)C=CMolar mass56.06 g/molAppearanceColorless to yellow liquid. Irritating odor.CAS number107-02-8PropertiesVapor density (air=1)1.94Solubility in waterAppreciable (> 10%)Melting point-88 °C (-126 °F)Boiling point53 °C (127 °F)HazardsMSDSExternal MSDS[1]Main hazardsHighly poisonous. Causes severe irritation to exposed membranes. Extremely flammable liquid and vapor.NFPA 704 3 4 3 Flash point-26°CExcept where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and referencesIn organic chemistry, acrolein or propenal is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. Acrolein is described as having a piercing, disagreeable, acrid smell similar to that of burning fat. Skin exposure to acrolein causes serious damage. Acrolein concentrations of 2 ppm are immediately dangerous to life. Acrolein may be easily produced by the action of approximately 1 part sodium bisulfate on 3 parts glycerine by weight. Acrolein is such a severe pulmonary irritant and lacrimating agent that it has been used as a chemical weapon during World War I. It is, however, not outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention. When glycerol is heated to 280 °C, it decomposes into acrolein.[2] Acrolein tends to polymerize when left at room temperature, leaving a gummy yellowish residue with a putrid odor. Acrolein is also a metabolite of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide, and is associated with hemorrhagic cystitis. i never heard of it but thats what www comes up with???