Preparation

By oxidation of isoamyl alcohol.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

Isovaleraldehyde is an aldehyde. Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids. These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Contact of liquid with eyes or skin causes irritation. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.

Definition

ChEBI: A methylbutanal that is butanal substituted by a methyl group at position 3. It occurs as a volatile constituent in olives.

General Description

Colorless liquid with a weak suffocating odor. Floats on water. Produces an irritating vapor.