The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

ALDEHYDE

In chemistry, aldehyde is the generic name given to the compounds of alcohol intermediate between the alcohols and the acids. Common aldehyde (C2H40) is derived from spirit of wine by oxidation, and is a colourless, limpid, volatile, and inflammable liquid, with a peculiar ethereal odour, which is suffocating when strong; specific gravity, 0.79. Atmospheric oxygen converts it into acetic acid. It decomposes oxide of silver, depositing a brilliant film of metallic silver; hence it is used in silvering curved glass surfaces.
Research Aldehyde