What is the Difference Between Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are both organic compounds categorized as aldehydes. The key difference between them lies in their chemical formulas and the presence of a methyl group in acetaldehyde.
- Formaldehyde: It is the simplest aldehyde with the chemical formula CH2O. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas at room temperature and is commonly found in a liquid state on a commercial scale.
- Acetaldehyde: It has the chemical formula CH3CHO and contains a methyl group attached to the aldehyde functional group. Acetaldehyde is also a colorless gas at room temperature.
A chemical test can be used to distinguish between formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. When treated with iodine in the presence of a base (such as sodium hydroxide), acetaldehyde gives off a yellow color precipitation, while formaldehyde does not react with it. This reaction, known as the iodoform reaction, is used to prove the presence of a specific carbonyl group in a compound.
Comparative Table: Formaldehyde vs Acetaldehyde
Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are both aldehyde compounds, but they have different chemical structures and properties. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:
Property | Formaldehyde | Acetaldehyde |
---|---|---|
Chemical Formula | CH2O | CH3CHO |
Hydrogen Atom | Contains a hydrogen atom bonded to the aldehyde functional group | Contains a methyl group attached to the carbonyl functional group |
Uses | Formaldehyde is used as a precursor to acetic acid production, in the synthesis of 1-butanol, perfumes, flavorings, aniline dyes, plastics, synthetic rubber, etc. | Acetaldehyde is used in various industries and can be found in products such as perfumes, flavorings, and plastics |
Both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are usually colorless gases at room temperature.
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