3-Hydroxybutanal
In organic chemistry, 3-hydroxybutanal is an organic compound with the formula and the structure. It is classified as an aldol and the word "aldol" can refer specifically to 3-hydroxybutanal. It is formally the product of the dimerization of acetaldehyde. A thick colorless or pale-yellow liquid, it is a versatile and valuable intermediate with diverse impacts. The compound is chiral although this aspect is not often exploited.
Production
upon treatment with aqueous sodium hydroxide:This is the prototypical aldol reaction.
Reactions and uses
Dehydration of 3-hydroxybutanal gives crotonaldehyde. Distillation of 3-hydroxybutanal is sufficiently forcing to effect this conversion:Hydrogenation of 3-hydroxybutanal gives 1,3-butanediol:
This diol is a precursor to 1,3-butadiene, precursor to diverse polymers.
Polymerization of 3-hydroxybutanal is also spontaneous, but can be stopped with the addition of water.
Aldol has been used in making perfumes and in ore flotation.