Formula C4H8O Molar mass 72.11 g/mol Melting point -65 °C | Density 790 kg/m³ Boiling point 63 °C Appearance colourless liquid | |
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Related alkyl aldehydes Related compounds | ||
Isobutyraldehyde is the chemical compound with the formula (CH3)2CHCHO. It is an aldehyde, isomeric with n-butyraldehyde (butanal). Isobutyraldehyde is manufactured, often as a side-product, by the hydroformylation of propene. Its odour is described as that of wet cereal or straw. It undergoes the Cannizaro reaction even though it has alpha hydrogen atom.
Contents
Synthesis
Isobutyraldehyde is produced industrially by the hydroformylation of propene. Several million tons are produced annually.
Strong mineral acids catalyse the rearrangement of methallyl alcohol to isobutraldehyde.
It can also be produced using engineered bacteria.
Reactions
Hydrogenation of the aldehyde gives isobutanol. Oxidation gives methacrolein or methacrylic acid. Condensation with formaldehyde gives hydroxypivaldehyde.
