Methacrolein

Methacrolein, or methacrylaldehyde, is an unsaturated aldehyde. It is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid.

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Methacrolein

Names
Preferred IUPAC name 2-Methylprop-2-enal
Other names Methacrolein Methacrylaldehyde Isobutenal
Identifiers
CAS Number	78-85-3 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	6314 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.001.046
PubChem CID	6562
UNII	9HRB24892H Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID0052540
InChI InChI=1S/C4H6O/c1-4(2)3-5/h3H,1H2,2H3 Y Key: STNJBCKSHOAVAJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C4H6O/c1-4(2)3-5/h3H,1H2,2H3 Key: STNJBCKSHOAVAJ-UHFFFAOYAU
SMILES O=CC(=C)C
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H6O
Molar mass	70.09 g/mol
Density	0.847 g/cm3
Melting point	−81 °C (−114 °F; 192 K)
Boiling point	69 °C (156 °F; 342 K)
Related compounds
Related alkenals	Citral Citronellal trans-2-Methyl-but-2-enal
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

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Methacrolein is one of two major products resulting from the reaction of isoprene with OH in the atmosphere, the other product being methyl vinyl ketone (MVK, also known as butenone).^[1] These compounds are important components of the atmospheric oxidation chemistry of biogenic chemicals, which can result in the formation of ozone and/or particulates. Methacrylaldehyde is also present in cigarette smoke.^[2] It can be found in the essential oil of the plant Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) which contains 5% methacrolein.^[3]

Industrially, the primary use of methacrolein is in the manufacture of polymers and synthetic resins.

Exposure to methacrolein is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.