Aldehydes is a word that seems scary to many. It is clearly related to chemistry, possibly poisonous substances. Formaldehyde is a closely related term that causes particular fear in people. Is it possible to get cancer if exposed to the same substances? Is it possible to get poisoned? How does it affect life and he alth? Are we surrounded by aldehydes? Let's try to understand the features of the use of aldehydes and how dangerous they are.
Beautiful and fragrant
This will surprise many, but one of the areas of application of aldehydes is perfumery. The term denotes such compounds in the molecule of which there is hydrogen, carbon. They are widely found in the world around us. For the first time in the perfume industry, it was possible to apply them back in 1905. Connections are not easy to use. If the concentration is low, aldehydes give a light, pleasant, aesthetic aroma - fruity, floral. But it’s worth at least a little overdoing it, and it will only smelljust rancid oil. Proper use of these substances allows you to make the aroma of perfume rich, deep. The use of aldehydes made it possible to produce toilet water with unusual and expensive odors - it would be completely unprofitable to use natural components for this. The result of a synthetic product is in no way inferior to natural ingredients.
Aldehydes are produced industrially and are synthetic compounds. Between themselves, they are quite different in structure, and therefore in physical parameters, including smell. The smaller the mass of the molecule, the more unpleasant the aroma, the higher - the more the person likes it. Due to this feature, the use of aldehydes in perfumery is currently practiced quite widely.
Natural and artificial
Aldehydes are not only artificially produced compounds. Some varieties of such substances can be found in natural sources. For example, the production and use of aldehydes from orange peel has become widespread. Another source is rose essential oil. True, this is more an exception than a rule - the main percentage of varieties is made synthetically in laboratories. The task requires a minimum of time, and the process itself is relatively simple, so today there are practically no perfumes that would not contain these components.
At one time, the production and use of aldehydes in perfumery was a real revolution in this area. Substances were among the firstsynthetic, massively used in the manufacture of perfume compositions. On the one hand, their smell was similar to natural substances, on the other hand, obtaining is much easier. Thanks to aldehydes, the perfume received persistent notes: citrus, fruits, flowers.
Appearances and passwords
Thanks to the study of their physical properties, the use of aldehydes has become massive. The boom happened when Chanel No. 5 perfume saw the light. It wasn't the first composition to feature these synthetics, but it was the one that made them popular.
But for the first time, perfumes with industrially made aromatic components were released in 1905. The manufacturer is the brand Armingeat. The name of the iconic aromatic composition is Reve D'Or. Even earlier, in 1882, based on the studied properties of aldehydes, the use of these substances was practiced in the development of Fougere Royal perfumes. They were used in vanishingly small quantities, yet the fact itself remains significant for the history of chemistry and perfumery.
The study of properties, the use of aldehydes became fashionable when Chanel released their fragrance. Their legendary perfume was the most successful experiment with synthetic substances. About one percent of the total volume of liquid is allocated to aldehydes - no one has achieved such a high concentration before this company. By the way, for some time it was believed that perfume appeared as a result of an erroneous misunderstanding, an oversight made by a perfumer - so many aldehydes simply could not be used. However, even if thisthere was a mistake, it turned out to be surprisingly successful - Chanel No. 5 is still one of the most sought-after fragrances in the world today.
Past and present
Properties, production, use of aldehydes - these topics have been of interest to perfumers all over the world for the second century. The perfumes created with these substances have changed, and at present it is difficult to imagine what the very first Chanel No. 5s were like. Three decades after the development of the original composition, the company decided to re-release the product, but as an eau de toilette. It contained significantly less synthetic product - this change in composition was done intentionally. Still, the original aldehyde-driven fragrance became extravagant, to some extent setting the brand's path for years to come. The originality of these spirits has been preserved in the legends of the perfume world to this day.
Perfumery as a field of application of aldehydes opened the world to their delicate and romantic aroma. Perfume with the inclusion of these synthetic compounds began to sound fragile. Currently, there is even a separate category of fragrances - floral-aldehyde. There are several varieties of these compounds that are used most often: hepta-, octa-, nona-, deca-, undecanal, undecalactone, lauryl aldehydes. Each of them has its own characteristics of smell. Some smell like green grass, others like oranges, roses, lemons. Undecanal is not only a synthetic substance - it has been found in the essential oils of various plants. Some aldehydes smell like violetsgrapefruit, lilac, wax, peach. To create a perfume with notes of lily of the valley, you need to use lilial, and the smell of narcissus will give the inclusion of phenylacetaldehyde. Perfumery as a field of application for aldehydes has become a platform for the development of complex combinations. This is how it was possible to obtain, for example, a perfume with a jasmine scent - for this you have to combine several compounds in different ratios.
Not only beautiful things
Perfume is far from the only area of application for aldehydes. Chemistry, medicine, industry - in all these areas, different types of substances of the described group are needed. In particular, ethanal and methanal are the most widely used in industry. Methanal is necessary for the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde resin - for this you will have to initiate a reaction involving phenol. Resin is the starting material for plastics. The use of aldehydes allows the inclusion in the reaction of specialized components, fillers - phenolics. If it is necessary to make a varnish, the above resin is mixed with alcohol, acetone until completely dissolved.
Methanal can be used to obtain urea resin, a necessary component for the production of amino plastics. The study of the structure, properties, production, and use of aldehydes made it possible to reveal that amino plastics are the starting material for microporous raw materials, which have become indispensable in electrical engineering. But that's not all!
The use of aldehydes in medicine is quite diverse, and methanal should be given special attention. This compound is necessary for the manufacture of substances used inpharmaceuticals. In addition, dyes are obtained with its use.
Medicine and Chemistry
The study of the possibilities of application, the chemical properties of aldehydes revealed that an aqueous solution, 40% consisting of methanal, can bring considerable benefits to a person. Modern scientists call it formalin. A distinctive feature is the coagulability of the protein under its influence. However, this quality began to be used not only for medical purposes. As experiments have shown, if the skin is treated with formalin, it becomes hard, it is not afraid of putrefactive processes. This allowed the substance to be used in the leather industry.
The use of the most important aldehyde methanal in medicine can be explained in a similar way. Under the influence of formalin obtained from it, the protein coagulates, which means that it is possible to ensure a long shelf life of biological preparations. In some cases, it is formalin that is the most suitable preparation for dressing, disinfecting seed material.
The second widely used aldehyde in industry is ethanal. Any chemist knows exactly where acetaldehyde (ethanal) finds use - it is indispensable for the manufacture of acetic acid, which is in demand for a huge variety of chemical processes.
Medicine: features of the use of aldehydes
Formalin (aka formaldehyde) is a colorless liquid, easily recognizable by its specific smell. Investigating the properties, structure, application of aldehydes, scientists found that formaldehyde isThis is an excellent disinfectant. You can use it as a deodorant. Formalin is used to clean hands, skin, if a person suffers from increased activity of sweat glands. To do this, use a one percent solution of the substance. Half the concentration is enough to disinfect the instrumentation. Formalin is included in lysoform, used for douching in ratios of 1:2000 - 1:3000.
A mixture of formalin, ethyl alcohol, cologne, purified water is formidron. Such a substance has been used as a local remedy when it is necessary to treat the skin of a person suffering from excessive sweating.
If you ask a medical student: "List the uses of aldehydes," he will probably immediately think of formaldehyde ointment. It is a white substance with a faint odor of perfume and a characteristic aroma of formalin. This ointment is used if the sweat glands are too active. The drug is rubbed into the armpits once daily. May be used in the creases between the fingers if that area is also prone to excessive sweating.
What else is there?
Lysoform is obtained by mixing formaldehyde with alcohol and potassium soap. Formalin and soap must be taken in equal proportions, and alcohol - half as much. The substance has a deodorizing effect, is a disinfectant. It is used when douching is necessary, therefore it is widely used in gynecology. Solutions containing no more than 3% active ingredients are used forhand sanitizer.
Urotropin is a product derived from aldehyde. The substance is crystalline, has no smell, dissolves quickly in water, shows an alkaline reaction. Widely used in the treatment of infectious diseases of the urinary tract. In an acidic environment, the drug decomposes, one of the reaction products is formalin. Urotropin is used on an empty stomach. Individual reactions of intolerance, side effects of application are possible. For some (for example, irritation of the renal parenchyma), it is necessary to immediately stop the course of treatment. Urotropin is widely used for cholangitis, cholecystitis, skin and eye lesions of an allergic nature.
Urosal tablets were created on aldehydes. In addition to urotropin, they contain phenyl salicylate.
Urotropin and calcium chloride are combined in the Kalceks preparation. These are white tablets that dissolve quickly in water. They taste s alty and bitter. The drug is indicated for colds. The optimal program of use is up to four times a day for a couple of tablets.
If necessary, locally suppress the activity of pathological microflora (gram-negative, gram-positive), you can use the drug "Ciminal", also based on aldehydes. Its active components stimulate the healing of tissue damage, normalize the state of the epithelium. "Ciminal" is used externally, it is prescribed if the patient has pyoderma. "Ciminal" is suitable for the treatment of burns, non-healing ulcers, wounds. Available in two versions - suspension and powder. Active compounds are applied to diseased areas. Frequencydressings - every 3-4 days. Prolonged use may cause dermatitis. Possible local burning, itching.
Chemical nuances
Despite such an extensive use of formalin in medicine, the predominant percentage of this substance is used to make various plastics. An ordinary person rarely thinks about the use of aldehydes in everyday life, but without them our life would be completely different: formaldehyde is indispensable for the manufacture of various machine parts, electrical products. Acetaldehyde is the raw material for acetic acid, which is also widely used in a wide variety of processes and reactions. The reduction of this compound is a reaction that results in ethyl alcohol. In some countries, this method of obtaining alcohol is now quite common.
You can get aldehyde by oxidizing alcohol. One of the methods is to incandescent copper wire spiral in the fire of an alcohol lamp. When heated, the object acquires a dark coating - this is copper oxide. Once in a container with alcohol, the wire regains its luster. The process itself is accompanied by the appearance of a characteristic aldehyde odor. This method is a conditional description of the process of manufacturing aldehydes in industrial conditions. Special reactors are used in which copper and silver grids are installed. These elements heat up and drive air saturated with methyl alcohol through them.
In the laboratory, aldehyde can be obtained using alcohol and various oxidizing agents. One option is potassium permanganate.
Acetaldehyde and its reaction products
Main areathe use of acetaldehyde (acetaldehyde) - the manufacture of acetic acid. This compound is actively used in everyday life, in the production of various medicines. Acetaldehyde is part of the popular Solcoderm drug, since it has been found that acetic acid cauterizes warts and is effective for condylomas. It has been proven to be useful against birthmarks if the lesions are benign.
You can buy a 30% solution of acetic acid - this concentration is more than enough for domestic purposes. If you need to use a weaker version, you can use vinegar - as part of the acid product - 3-9%.
The field of application of acetaldehyde is the manufacture of glacial acid. This remedy helps with warts, corns, and is used as a cauterizing agent. Glacial acid is also called pure. The main convenience of its use is the ability to independently dilute to the required concentration. Normally, the substance is crystalline, the melting point is 16.7 degrees Celsius, therefore, at normal room temperature, the compound is in the liquid phase. Glacial acid dissolves in alcohol, water, ether. This substance can dissolve phosphorus, resin, camphor. When the protein interacts with it, coagulation occurs. In direct contact with a concentrated substance, chemical burns and blisters appear on the skin.
Varieties and forms
In its diluted form, acetic acid is an essence. Contents of the maincomponent varies between 30-80%. The substance has established itself as a keratolytic, relieving itching, therefore it is actively used in the manufacture of therapeutic ointments. Like formalin, the essence, one third consisting of acetic acid, helps with fungal infection, foot mycosis. You can use a disinfectant for insoles, shoes. The substance is applied to a cotton swab and wiped with it on all surfaces inside the shoe, then placed in a tightly closed plastic bag for a couple of hours. Before use, shoes should be aired until the smell is gone.
A nine percent solution of an acetic aldehyde (acid) derivative is table vinegar. It is used not only in cooking, but also, if necessary, the treatment of the skin. A few (no more than five) tablespoons of liquid are taken into a glass of clean water, the resulting solution is treated with insect-bitten places, foci of urticaria, itching.
Undiluted vinegar can be used if lice nits that have multiplied in the scalp are to be removed. Healers recommend making a decoction of calamus roots with vinegar. It is believed to be effective for alopecia. Nettle leaf vinegar is used in the same way.
Can I get poisoned?
Acetaldehyde product - acetic acid - a substance with a surface effect, which differs from inorganic acids, but other features of the action are similar to this group. In case of poisoning, acid vapors penetrate the lungs, from where they are released, provoking severe pneumonia. In case of poisoning, hemolysis, hemoglobinuria are observed. lethal volume fora person is considered to be 15 ml of anhydrous acid, 40 ml of essence, 300 ml of table vinegar.
At the autopsy of the deceased, acetic acid can be determined by its peculiar smell. Poisoning is accompanied by hepatic hemorrhage, necrotic foci, nephrosis with necrolysis, hemolysis.
Other types: features of use
The use of butyric aldehyde is primarily organic synthesis reactions. The substance is indispensable in the manufacture of catalysts for the rubber vulcanization reaction. Butanal is also a flavor additive that is widely used in the food industry.
Isobutyric is a form of aldehyde used as an intermediate. Necessary in the process of synthesis of catalysts, rubber antioxidants. It is used in the manufacture of amino acids. Isobutyric aldehyde is in demand in perfumery, the manufacture of aromatic additives, and plasticizers. Used as an additive component of gasoline.
Crotonic - a form of aldehyde, necessary for the manufacture of the acid of the same name, surfactant. The substance is used in the production of chemotherapeutic compounds, pesticides. Crotonaldehyde can dissolve PVC, therefore it is used as an inhibitor in the vinyl polymerization reaction. The compound is widely used in the manufacture of catalysts for rubber vulcanization. Crotonaldehyde is a component of lubricants, a substance for tanning leather. Used as an indicator of certain gases, used in the search for violations of the integrity of pipes, leaks.
Glutaraldehyde and ketals
Glutaraldehyde is a popular sterilizer. It has been proven effective against a wide range of microorganisms. Allows you to effectively get rid of spores, viruses. It can be used as a method of cold sterilization of medical devices and equipment. Chemical disinfectant. In the leather industry - tannin. Glutaraldehyde is used as an element of fixatives and is widely used for embalming. P-dioxane is a quality wood solvent used in dye baths, textile industry. It is included in printing compositions, paints, because it is an effective wetting agent, dispersant. I managed to apply it for the manufacture of cosmetic products, glue, paint removers, varnishes.
Ketals are compounds that are actively used as plasticizers and solvents. They are also used as intermediates in reactions, they provoke the hardening of natural adhesives (for example, casein). Dichloroethylformal has become widespread as a solvent, an element in the reaction for the manufacture of artificial rubber (polysulfide type). Dimethoxymethane is used for the production of perfumes, fuels, and ointments. Substance dissolves coatings, adhesives.
How to minimize the danger?
An impressive percentage of aldehydes are volatile substances, for which there is an increased risk of fire. Already at room temperature, these liquids can form vapors that easily explode under certain conditions. Forexplosion, fire prevention, safety measures must be observed. This is especially important when working with the lowest of the aldehyde family. Compounds are considered to be more dangerous, the chain of which is either substituted or unsaturated.
When designing production facilities, it is important to think in advance how to minimize contact with aldehydes, how to prevent leakage. It is necessary to build fluid supply systems, as well as good drainage, in order to minimize the effects of leakage. If it is planned to use aldehyde, which has carcinogenic qualities, in production, it is necessary to work with it, observing the rules of conduct with substances of this class.
An impressive percentage of known aldehydes can harm human eyes. During work, you must use personal protection. For preventive work, plastic face shields are used. If conditions allow, it is necessary to use aprons, special shoes, hand protection. All production areas should be equipped with fountains so that workers can wash their eyes as needed. The company is responsible for the organization of public showers, staff training: employees must be able to use items to ensure personal protection.
Aldehydes and dangers
Most known aldehydes are dangerous. These substances can irritate the skin, respiratory organs, and mucous membranes. To a greater extent, this is characteristic of the lower members of the family, with halogens in the substitution chain, unsaturated forms.
Some aldehydes have an analgesic effect, but it manifests itselfafter the cutting one. The toxicity of aldehydes varies widely. For example, certain aldehydes from the aliphatic, aromatic groups are quickly separated, so there is no harm from them at all. Others are carcinogens, suspected carcinogens, which means that contact with them is very dangerous. There are chemical mutagens and compounds that can provoke a strong allergic reaction. Some aldehydes are hypnotic.
