Title: Metaldehyde
CAS Registry Number: 9002-91-9
Additional Names: Metacetaldehyde
Literature References: Polymer of acetaldehyde. (C2H4O)n. Prepd by polymerization of acetaldehyde in the presence of HCl, H2SO4 at low temp: Kekule, Zincke, Ann. 162, 125 (1872); in the presence of pyridine and HBr: R. S. Wilder, US 2426961 (1947 to Publicker Ind.). Use as molluscicide: R. M. Coloso et al., Crop Prot. 17, 669 (1998).
Properties: Prisms, mp 246° in sealed tube. Sublimes at about 112°, but dec with partial regeneration of aldehyde above 80°. Practically insol in water. Sol in benzene, chloroform; sparingly sol in alcohol, ether.
Melting point: mp 246° in sealed tube
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure by ingestion are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma. See Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin et al., Eds. (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 5th ed., 1984) p II-187.
Use: In compressed form as a fuel instead of alcohol; molluscicide. |