N-Valeraldehyde

n-Valeraldehyde (also known as valeraldehyde or pentanal) is a colorless, transparent liquid with a strong, pungent, and acrid odor—though it exhibits nutty or almond-like notes when highly diluted. It is slightly soluble in water and readily oxidizes to form valeric acid.

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Product Introduction

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Key physicochemical properties

Appearance: N-Valeraldehyde is a colorless, transparent liquid with a strong, pungent, acrid odor; exhibits nutty/almond notes upon high dilution (this is the characteristic aroma profile at low concentrations used in food flavoring).
Boiling point: Approx. 103°C (760 mmHg)
Melting point: Approx. −91°C
Density: 0.809–0.811 g/cm³ (20°C)
Flash point: Approx. 12°C (closed cup) → Highly flammable liquid (GHS Category 2), UN 2058 PG II
Refractive index: n²⁰D ≈ 1.394–1.396
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (approx. 1.6 g/100 mL at 20°C); miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene, and chloroform; readily oxidizes to valeric acid.
Stability: Oxygen-sensitive; undergoes autoxidation to form peroxides upon prolonged storage (peroxide value must be checked before distillation!); prone to polymerization upon exposure to light.

Characteristics of chemical reactions

The aldehyde group dictates its reactivity:
Easily oxidized → valeric acid (can be slowly oxidized by nitric acid, KMnO₄, or even atmospheric O₂)
Easily reduced → n-pentanol (via NaBH₄ or catalytic hydrogenation)
Aldol condensation → self- or cross-condensation yields α,β-unsaturated aldehydes (e.g., 2-pentenal)
Reaction with amines/alcohols → imines, acetals (acetal formation is commonly used to protect the aldehyde group in acidic alcoholic media)

Primary Uses

Fragrances and flavors: Small amounts of n-valeraldehyde are used to flavor nuts, coffee, and meat. Its derivative, valeraldehyde diethyl acetal, has a milder profile and is commonly used as a fragrance base in personal care products.
Organic synthesis intermediate: Used in the production of n-amyl alcohol, valeric acid, α-pentenal, rubber accelerators, and pharmaceutical side chains (e.g., precursors for certain barbiturates).
Agrochemicals/Fine chemicals: Used for synthesizing side chains of uniconazole-type fungicides and intermediates for pyrethroids.
Analytical standards: Used for GC/MS retention index calibration and studies on the odor thresholds of aldehydes.

Safety, Storage, and Transportation

GHS: H225 Highly flammable; H302 Harmful if swallowed; H315/H318/H335 Causes skin/eye irritation and respiratory irritation; prolonged exposure causes anesthetic effects.
Vapors irritate mucous membranes; high concentrations cause headache and nausea; liquid causes severe pain upon contact with eyes.
Handling: Use fume hood; explosion-proof equipment; wear nitrile gloves and safety goggles; do not store with strong oxidizers, strong bases, or amines (risk of exothermic disproportionation/polymerization).
Storage/Transport: Purge with nitrogen or fill the container completely when storing and transporting n-valeraldehyde.; store away from light; keep at ≤25°C; keep away from ignition sources; monitor peroxide levels regularly; do not distill to dryness.
Firefighting: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, dry chemical, sand/earth; do not use a direct water jet (low flash point poses risk of re-ignition).