Crotonaldehyde stands out in the chemicals market for its versatile application across several industries. Often recognized by the molecular formula C4H6O and HS Code 2910900090, it presents itself most commonly as a clear colorless to light yellow liquid, sometimes with a pungent odor. Its density sits around 0.846 g/cm³ at 20°C, showing a relatively low boiling point near 104°C. In work settings, you often come across it both in bulk liquid containers and specialty-grade solutions, though it crystallizes under very defined cold conditions. As a raw material, crotonaldehyde takes on a crucial role, finding its purpose in the synthesis of sorbic acid, various fine chemicals, and certain pharmaceuticals.
Examining its structure, crotonaldehyde features an unsaturated aldehyde group, allowing for high reactivity, especially in aldol and Michael addition reactions. That double bond just next to its carbonyl group opens the door to a host of synthetic transformations, lending itself to making flavoring agents, rubber accelerators, and quaternary ammonium compounds. In handling, its volatility is continually apparent. The low flash point brings to mind a need for careful storage and transfer practices. Most industrial users expect a specific gravity near 0.8, water solubility of about 7%, and a refractive index in the range of 1.422 to 1.425. The liquid form is standard but, under proper circumstances, flakes or crystalline structures might be obtained at low temperature conditions, requiring clear labeling to prevent mishandling.
Specifications for crotonaldehyde from Shandong Kunda Biotechnology commonly focus on purity, with assay figures routinely exceeding 98% and moisture content strictly monitored below 0.2%. Impurities such as acrolein, formaldehyde, or other aldehydes have strict upper limits. In buying this material, it’s common practice to request certificates of analysis covering density, assay, and impurity profiles. Dealers describe crotonaldehyde as a hazardous, highly flammable material classified under GHS standards as both harmful and irritant. The liquid can attack eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, which means personal protective equipment remains non-negotiable. I remember a case during a plant audit, where improper venting led to noticeable breathing discomfort — ventilation and sealed handling a must for even experienced handlers. Material Safety Data Sheets recommend against direct contact, as skin absorption or inhalation can lead to headaches, nausea, or worse effects for those with exposure vulnerabilities.
Shandong Kunda Biotechnology markets crotonaldehyde to customers working with a clear idea of end-use. Used as a raw material in fine chemicals, plasticizers, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals, crotonaldehyde’s flexibility comes from its dual unsaturation and aldehyde functionality. Synthesis pathways like aldol reactions, Michael addition, and polymer modifications start with this material. The product often ships in drums or IBCs at concentrations near 100%, and there’s a growing trend for on-site dilution into solutions suitable for specific downstream reactors. Chemical engineers value its predictable performance, though they always bear in mind its tendency to polymerize without proper stabilization. Customers with a background in coatings, resin development, or even biocidal formulations look at crotonaldehyde’s reactivity as an opportunity to push performance limits.
Safe handling protocols build on hard-learned lessons over decades of industrial chemistry. In workplaces, crotonaldehyde vapor sets off alarms at low ppm levels, motivating factory managers to install modern fume-hood systems and leak sensors. Disposal and spill response planning ranks high; the material must never go down ordinary drains and needs well-labeled hazardous waste containers. Shandong Kunda’s logistics teams coordinate shipping under strict compliance, matching UN 1143 for global markets. On a broader scale, regional authorities treat crotonaldehyde as a priority pollutant, so discharge control plans and community right-to-know procedures become part of everyday business, especially near watercourses.
Assurance of quality and consistency determines real-world success when using crotonaldehyde from any supplier. High-purity grades avoid catalyst poisoning, reducing batch rework in complex syntheses. A simple field test involves confirming the expected sharp odor and rapid evaporation on glass, but nothing replaces laboratory titration and spectroscopic assays for final confirmation. Specifiers request complete quality documentation before purchasing, combining material origin, production method, date of manufacture, and batch traceability. Storage stability emerges as a major concern, because exposure to air and light can trigger slow polymerization, turning a clear liquid into a troublesome viscous mass. Industry veterans rely on storage under inert gas and in stainless steel to keep active product available for plant needs.
Operators using crotonaldehyde develop site-specific standard operating procedures around exposure control, technical performance, and waste minimization. I’ve seen facilities invest in closed filling systems and dedicated exhaust lines after a single near-miss during a summer heat wave. Automated tank monitoring has become popular, reducing manual checks and lowering risk of accidental exposure. Worker training moves beyond mere regulatory compliance — hands-on exercises, regular drills, and full transparency about risk keep both productivity and morale intact. Environmental managers keep in close touch with local authorities to track permitted emissions and evolving compliance targets. Chemical buyers now routinely audit supply chains for evidence of responsible sourcing and transparent handling, so the safest, cleanest routes win business over competitors focused only on price.
Chemical Name: Crotonaldehyde
Molecular Formula: C4H6O
HS Code: 2910900090
Appearance: Colorless to yellow liquid, pungent odor
Density: 0.846 g/cm³ (20°C)
Purity: >98%
Boiling Point: 104°C
Solubility: 7% in water
Hazard Classification: Highly flammable, irritant, harmful
Applications: Chemical synthesis, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, resin production
Packing: Drums, IBC totes, specialty small-volume containers
Direct experience underlines a simple point: crotonaldehyde requires respect from procurement through waste disposal. There’s no substitute for careful planning — schedule storage rotations, inspect gasketed fittings, train staff, and maintain up-to-date emergency protocols. Firms that invest in customized risk assessments pay off by avoiding lost time accidents as well as regulatory penalties, building a long-term relationship with customers who count on not just chemical supply, but on responsible stewardship from field to finished product. Each incident avoided, every unnecessary exposure prevented—these benefits compound over years, setting leaders apart from simple commodity traders. Crotonaldehyde holds fine potential; handling it safely keeps those opportunities within reach.
