Introduction 

 In 1839, Jons Jacob Berzelius identified Acrolein (C3H4O) as an Aldehyde. This organic compound is known for its toxic properties and pungent smell. Acrolein is used as an intermediate in acrylic acid synthesis and as a biocide.  

   

C₃H₄O or Acrolein is a yellow liquid with a pungent smell and is soluble in water. When heated, it evaporates quickly and burns easily. Acrolein enters the air when trees, tobacco, plants, gasoline, and oil are burned.   

   

Acrolein is also a pesticide used to control algae and weeds and is an intermediate in producing plastics and acrylic acid. It is also used in the production of several industrial materials.    

   

Despite its volatility, it plays an essential role in manufacturing biocide applications. However, it raises health concerns in humans. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) listed it (CASRN 107-02-8) as a hazardous waste. The EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) has also analyzed its toxicity. 

 

Chemical Bond: 

The chemical formula of this chemical is C3CH4O. It is an unsaturated aldehyde containing three carbon atoms, one oxygen atom, and four hydrogen atoms. 

 

Properties 

Acrolein is a highly flammable liquid. The National Pollutant Inventory has listed it as a volatile organic compound. Its properties are categorized into physical and chemical, which are discussed below. 

 

Physical properties  

  • Acrolein is a yellowish liquid.  
  • This organic chemical has a sweet, burnt, and pungent smell.  
  • C3H4O or Acrolein is soluble in water.  
  • The boiling point of Acrolein is 52.5°C.  
  • The melting point of Acrolein is -88°C.  
  • At 20°C, the vapor pressure of Acrolein is 29.3 – 36.5 kPa.  
  • The specific gravity of Acrolein is 0.843.  
  • The flash point of the Acrolein is -18°C.  
  • The molecular weight of Acrolein is 56.06 g/mol.  

 

Chemical properties  

  • Acrolein works as an intermediate in synthesizing acrylic acid and as a biocide.  
  • C3H4O or Acrolein polymerizes in the presence of sunlight.  
  • Acrolein forms hard and Porous (having tiny pores) plastic in the water.

 

Industrial Usage of Acrolein

 

Industrial Usage: 

Acrolein (C3H4O) is an unsaturated aldehyde. It is an intermediate for manufacturing plastics and colloidal plastic forms. Check out the key industries that use this volatile chemical. 

 

1. Chemical Manufacturing 

  • Acrolein is used to synthesize acrylic acid, which is a key component in coatings, adhesives, and plastics.  
  • C3H4O or Acrolein helps in producing Methionine. Methionine is an essential Amino acid in Animal feed. 

 

2. Pesticide & Biocide 

  • Acrolein acts as an aquatic biocide and herbicide to control weeds and algae in irrigation canals.  
  • It is used in industrial water treatment to prevent biofouling in pipelines. 

 

3. Pharmaceuticals & Perfumes 

  • Acrolein works as a precursor in the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds.  
  • It helps in producing fragrances. 

 

4. Fuel & Polymer Industry 

  • Acrolein presents in combustion processes. It works as a byproduct in biodiesel production.  
  • This chemical plays a vital role in the formation of specialty polymers. 

 

 5. Textile & Leather Industry 

Acrolein is used in leather tanning and finishing processes. 

 

 

Acrolein hazards

 

Hazards of Acrolein: 

Health hazards 

1) Acute Effects   

  • The primary effect of 10-60 minutes of Acrolein exposure in the human body is mild eye irritation and general discomfort at 0.09 ppm (0.2 mg/m³).    
  • Throat and nose irritation occurs at 0.3 ppm (0.7 mg/m³), and the breathing rate becomes slower.  
  • Prolonged Acrolein exposure can cause lung inflammation, coughing, chest pain, and pulmonary damage. 

 

2) Chronic Effects 

  • Long-term inhalation of Acrolein can cause respiratory problems and eye, nose, and throat irritation in humans and animals.  
  • The most affected organ is the respiratory system.  
  • Acrolein can cause severe irritation in the skin and eyes. It affects the eyes mainly.  
  • RfC (Reference Concentration) helps as a guideline to detect the potential risks of Acrolein. For animals (rats), RfC for Acrolein is 0.00002 mg/m³. It causes nasal damage.   
  • Based on the animal study, RfD (Reference Dose) 0.0005 mg per kg of body weight per day is not harmful. 

 

3) Reproductive or Developmental Effects 

  • The reproductive effect of Acrolein on the human body is not clear to date.     
  • In the animal studies, 0.55 to 4 PPM (1.3 – 9.2 milligrams per cubic meter) of Acrolein inhalation did not impact pregnancy rates, fetus numbers, weights, or overall reproductive health.   

 

4) Cancer risks 

The carcinogenic effect of Acrolein exposure (inhalation and oral) on the human body has not been proven to date.     

 

Safety Measures: 

 

When handling Acrolein, workers must follow some hygiene safety measures given by OSHA.  

  • Workers should use OSHA-approved on-site screening devices before entering the confined area.  
  • To ensure their safety, using chemical-resistant gloves and PPE are essential.  
  • Workers should use face shields, goggles, and masks to prevent direct splashes and inhalation of the Acrolein.  
  •  It is necessary to remove contaminated clothes and shoes during the shift. 

 

When spills or emergencies occur, workers need to follow some more safety measures given by OSHA.   

  • Workers need to evacuate the spill or leak area for 50 meters.  
  • If Acrolein is present in any confined area, workers should ventilate it quickly. Otherwise, it could explode.    
  • Workers should use earth, sand, or other non-combustible materials to absorb Acrolein. 

 

Check out the First-aid measures:  

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7847#section=First-Aid

 

For Skin  

  • First, remove the victims’ clothing and shoes.    
  • Second, wash the victims’ irritated skin with soap and water.  
  • Victims need to be transferred to the hospital for a comprehensive medical checkup.   

 

For Eyes  

  • It is essential to remove the contact lenses of the victims.  
  • Flush the victims’ eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.  
  • Don’t apply any oil or ointment without instructions from the doctor.   
  • The victims should be sent to the hospital or health care center immediately. 

 

For Inhalation  

  • Workers should leave the contaminated area and take a deep breath.   
  • Their pulse needs to be checked, and find out the trauma (if any). If they are not breathing, arranging oxygen and other respiratory support is necessary.  
  • In case of experiencing wheezing, coughing, or a burning sensation in the throat, mouth, and chest, the victims should be taken to the hospital immediately.   

 

For Ingestion  

  • Acrolein is a volatile chemical. Therefore, the victims should not be forced to vomit as it could cause severe medical complications.   
  • In case of unconsciousness or convulsion, victims should be taken to the hospital immediately.    
  • If the victims are conscious, they must drink one cup of water or milk. Then, they should be taken to the hospital immediately. 

 

Conclusion: 

The above discussion highlighted that Acrolein is an essential chemical in various industrial sectors. However, due to its volatility and potentially hazardous nature, industries should follow proper safety measures to maximize its benefits while ensuring the safety of humans, animals, and the environment.