| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name | but-2-enal |
| Other names | Aldehyde crotonic Crotonal 2-Butenal Crotonyl aldehyde β-Methylacrolein 2-Buten-1-al |
| Pronunciation | /ˌkroʊ.tənˈæld.ɪˌhaɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 4170-30-3 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `C=CCC=O` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209246 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:17650 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL22276 |
| ChemSpider | 53204 |
| DrugBank | DB02706 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.064 |
| EC Number | 2.7.1.162 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: **782** |
| KEGG | C00633 |
| MeSH | D003438 |
| PubChem CID | 7847 |
| RTECS number | GV7350000 |
| UNII | F0T3DQN08C |
| UN number | UN1143 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H6O |
| Molar mass | 70.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor | Pungent |
| Density | 0.846 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | 0.88 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.9 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.5 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.06 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -47.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.435 |
| Viscosity | 1.14 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.72 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 179.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -117.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1512 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V04CX04 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS06, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226, H301, H311, H331, H315, H319, H335, H341, H351, H370 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P311, P312, P330, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 2-3-2 |
| Flash point | 33 °F (0.6 °C) - closed cup |
| Autoignition temperature | 175 °C |
| Explosive limits | 2.6–16% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 174 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Crotonaldehyde: 174 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | KM2450000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 0.8 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 2 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 200 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Crotonic acid Crotyl alcohol Butyraldehyde Acrolein |
| Property | Industrial Commentary |
|---|---|
| Product Name & IUPAC Name |
Common Name: Crotonaldehyde IUPAC Name: (E)-2-butenal In our manufacturing operations, identification alignment focuses on regulatory and technical traceability, ensuring purchasing, logistics, and compliance teams reference the correct compound with either designation. Formulation and downstream process documentation refer to both names, subject to the region’s regulatory conventions and customer documentation requirements. |
| Chemical Formula |
C4H6O Formula reporting on certificates of analysis always adheres to CAS and GHS standards for clarity in logistics and cross-border shipments. Verification follows a lot-based traceability protocol. |
| Synonyms & Trade Names |
Synonyms encountered in the supply chain include crotonal, 2-butenal, methyl vinyl formaldehyde. Trade name conventions vary by region; reference to synonyms ensures smooth import/export clearance through customs, especially for multi-jurisdictional shipments. Manufacturing documentation internally indexes these synonyms to prevent mis-shipment. |
| CAS Number |
123-73-9 Batch traceability relies on correct CAS assignment within internal lab information management systems and external regulatory filings. Mislabeling can trigger shipment holds and re-certification. |
| HS Code & Customs Classification |
HS Code: 2912190090 (Typical for aldehydes with one oxygen function, not elsewhere specified) HS code classifications and customs paperwork align with local tariff schedules and regulatory body interpretations. Precise HS coding avoids delays in customs and prevents unintended sanctions or reclassification mid-transit. |
Production relies on base-catalyzed aldol condensation of acetaldehyde, followed by controlled dehydration. The raw material sourcing emphasizes feedstock purity since upstream aldehyde contaminants and off-spec feed introduce color bodies and byproduct formation, affecting downstream odor and stability profiles.
Process route selection depends on equipment capability and desired impurity profile. Some grades require additional rectification or chemical scrubbing, impacting residuals and batch consistency. Grades intended for polymer intermediate manufacturing demand tighter controls on residual acetaldehyde and crotonic acid.
Performance specifications, such as color index, water content, and residual acidity, depend on final application—resin synthesis, agrochemical intermediates, or pharmaceutical precursors have distinct requirements. Detailed specification setting typically follows collaborative discussions with the end user. Customs and downstream stakeholders reference specific IUPAC and synonym identifiers to ensure global harmonization of labeling and technical dossier completeness.
Batch consistency and impurity management start with in-process controls at key dehydration and distillation stages. Continuous monitoring of reaction parameters and feedstock analysis reduces lot-to-lot variability. Final release involves chromatography and wet chemical analysis for the most common byproducts: crotonic acid, acetaldehyde, and polymerization residues. The final product is held under nitrogen where possible to slow peroxide formation and maintain quality through distribution.
HS code and customs data represent more than compliance—they dictate storage, labeling, and local taxation for each shipment. Region of origin and customer facilities directly influence product classification and paperwork requirements. The internal shipping team uses harmonized system documentation and cross-references regulatory watch lists to confirm product eligibility for end uses and destination markets.
In plant environments, Crotonaldehyde commonly appears as a clear to pale-yellow liquid with a pungent, sharp odor. Operators recognize its volatility and strong lachrymatory effect immediately upon opening standard steel or HDPE vessels. Handling personnel usually encounter it as a feedstock or intermediate, and form and color can shift with storage length and impurity content. Melting and boiling points are best referenced against grade; technical and reagent grades can show small variation due to trace constituents.
Density fluctuates within a narrow range; strictly monitored during quality control to flag excessive water or homologous aldehyde content. Flash point determination figures prominently in hazard assessments and dictates in-plant storage configuration.
Crotonaldehyde’s tendency to polymerize or oxidize under specific conditions drives operational choices. Light, heat, or accidental acidic or alkaline contamination can accelerate degradation, especially in high-purity or extended storage applications. The compound shows heightened reactivity with nucleophilic compounds or reducing agents—this presents both risk (as in spontaneous polymerization) and opportunity (synthetic routes).
Solubility varies: limited in water, high in most organic solvents. End-use application dictates whether dilution employs water, ethanol, or other compatible carriers. Careful titration is required to prevent rapid exotherm and vapor release during solution prep, especially at production scales. For applications requiring aqueous formulations, phase separation and emulsion stability sometimes require process-specific surfactants.
Specification targets depend on end-use industry, with variations for reagent, technical, and polymer feedstock grades. Routine batch releases follow internal specification sheets agreed upon with customers for color, purity by GC, water content, and acid value.
| Parameter | Typical Range/Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (by GC) | Grade-dependent | Internal GC method |
| Color (APHA or Hazen) | Customer-specified | Spectrophotometric |
| Water Content | Grade-dependent | Karl Fischer |
| Acid Value | Application-specific | Titration |
| Non-volatile Residues | Application-specific | Gravimetric |
Profile assignment reflects both synthetic route and storage conditions. Typical impurities stem from upstream aldehydes, alcohols, peroxides, or polymeric materials. Individual limits are tightly tied to customer specifications—pharmaceutical or electronics markets drive stricter controls than basic industrial use.
Gas chromatography serves as the principal purity check, with color indexes and acidity measured for every lot. Where customer or regulatory requirements dictate, compliance incorporates ASTM or ISO methods complemented by internal protocols.
Commercial production primarily sources n-butyraldehyde or crotonic acid derivatives as feedstock. Raw material selection weighs both supply chain security and tail impurity risk. Suppliers undergo qualification to minimize background metals or peroxides.
Traditional manufacture relies on catalytic condensation, typically aldol condensation of acetaldehyde using basic catalysts. Process flow decisions hinge on balancing conversion yield, by-product minimization, and cost of downstream purification. Reaction mechanism introduces the risk for self-condensation or further polymerization—reaction temperature and catalyst dosing guide both rate and selectivity.
Continuous monitoring during reaction for color, temperature, and acid value prevents runaway side-product build-up. Purification may involve fractional distillation and adsorptive treatments to remove oligomers, peroxides, and colored tars. Batch-to-batch consistency is managed by fixed-point in-process checks and statistical trending of key impurity markers.
Final batch release meets documented standards for purity, acidity, and water content. Customer feedback on application performance regularly drives update of acceptance criteria. Each batch is traceable to analytical records including full chromatographic runs and material balance data.
Crotonaldehyde acts as a versatile intermediate thanks to its α,β-unsaturated aldehyde structure, allowing for Michael addition, nucleophilic addition, hydrogenation, and aldol extension. With strong nucleophiles or under reducing conditions, it forms saturated alcohols or amines. Polymerization potential under acidic/basic conditions requires strict plant discipline.
Choice of catalyst (acidic, basic, metallic) and temperature profiles addresses customer-specific targets for purity and yield. Temperature and solvent selection optimize conversion but must account for volatility and exothermic profile. Reactor charging regime and inert blanket can suppress runaway scenarios.
End uses span pharmaceutical intermediates, aroma compounds, agricultural chemicals, and specialty polymers. Manufacturers often tailor downstream chemistry through careful selection of reaction pathway and impurity control in the precursor lot.
Temperature, humidity, and oxygen exposure strongly influence in-container stability. Crotonaldehyde stock is advised to remain under inert gas or tightly sealed to diminish polymerization or peroxide formation. Direct sunlight increases reaction risk; storage rooms should maintain stable, moderate temperature.
Mild steel or HDPE drums line most plant inventories. On-site transfer lines may require material compatibility checks to avoid catalysis of decomposition. For applications with extreme purity needs, lined vessels and special closures can reduce cross-contamination.
Shelf life depends on batch purity, storage atmosphere, and temperature. Early signs of degradation include color shift and sharp increase in acid value; these batches undergo rework or off-grade repurposing. Frequent analytical re-examination of aged product is standard operating procedure.
Hazard identification adheres to globally harmonized system, driven by acute toxicity, eye and respiratory irritation, and potential for skin absorption. Glasses and gloves remain mandatory — respiratory protection enters operator policy in confined or low-ventilation areas. Engineering controls take precedence over PPE for primary risk mitigation.
Material is labeled for flammability, acute toxicity, and strong irritancy. Exposure precaution includes spill control, vapor containment, and forced air ventilation in drum-emptying zones. Uncontrolled vapor buildup poses both fire and health risk, especially in non-dedicated storage.
Toxicological concerns stem from both acute effects (inhalation, ocular) and chronic exposures. Regulatory exposure limits are updated per region; in-house guidelines always track below externally set values. Monitoring via area and personal dosimetry forms part of operational discipline.
Site-specific exposure limits apply for plant and distribution work—data from national and international authorities guide plant safeguards. In practical experience, fast vapor control at decant and sampling points keeps values well within the acceptable range. Spills are handled with polymer absorbent and total containment, never by dilution flush.
Crotonaldehyde output depends on the access, quality, and price of acetaldehyde and butanal feedstocks, commonly sourced from petrochemical or ethanol-based routes. Regional trends dictate which raw material is more prevalent, with acetaldehyde preferred in East Asia due to available upstream capacity. In plant operations, disruptions often trace back to feedstock volatility, compressor unit reliability, and shutdowns for routine catalyst change-outs. Output scalability tracks market signals, but full swing up requires several weeks due to process equilibrium and utility coordination. Stocks are most stable during non-turnaround periods except during events such as hurricanes in the US Gulf Coast or environmental controls in the Yangtze delta.
Standard lead time ranges from two to six weeks depending on supply chain stability and country of delivery; delays follow tight feedstock supply or surges in demand from seasonally competing uses (such as herbicide intermediate campaigns). MOQ varies greatly by region and mode: drum lots for specialty or R&D use, bulk isos for established industrial applications. Custom MOQs may apply for orders with tailored purity or packaging formats.
Bulk crotonaldehyde typically loads in stainless steel ISO tanks or lined tanks to minimize polymerization and maintain purity. For small volume users or those running multi-shift but batch-wise operations, drums with high-passivation linings remain the norm. Fitting the right packaging requires matching with the end-user’s unloading, storage, and process compatibility, with oxygen barrier and UV-protective options considered based on ambient climate and transit exposure.
Shipments observe hazard class compliance under ADR, IMDG, and DOT as applicable; paperwork, placarding, and spill mitigation all depend on established routes and port rules. Most buyers in mature industries negotiate net 30–90 day payment terms post-shipment, but prepayment can be required for emerging market partners or when local credit risk climbs. Cold chain service adds significant cost in tropical or high-temperature zones.
The cost base is anchored in feedstock acetaldehyde or butanal, fluctuating directly with global crude and ethanol index shifts. Supplier reliability and plant configuration affect raw material yield, waste, and catalyst use. Labor, energy consumption (especially for vacuum distillation and condensation control), and purification (removal of crotonic acid byproducts) all contribute measurably to the final price.
Sudden raw material spikes occur after crop failures affecting bioethanol, refinery outages due to hurricanes or accidents, or regulatory clampdowns that restrict solvent plant emissions. Process route also matters—ethanol-based crotonaldehyde may carry a green premium or command a discount if upstream volatility in corn or sugar markets introduces uncertainty.
End-use sector and grade (technical, pharmaceutical, food, or electronic) influence price more than bulk demand. Higher purities demand tighter fractional distillation and more frequent line cleaning to limit aldehyde polymerization and trace byproducts. Pharmaceutical and food grades require validated GMP protocols and supplier audit readiness, leading to higher batch testing and audit costs. Certified packaging (UN, custom labeling, regulated liners) introduces price gaps between standard industrial and specialty market supply.
The balance of crotonaldehyde production tracks regional chemical upstream investment. Expansion projects in China and India target herbicide and pharmaceutical intermediates. US production leans toward value-added derivatives, limiting onshore merchant sales. Demand spikes seasonally with agrochemical campaigns or new aroma chemical launches, and can rapidly shift if substitution trends (e.g., petro-based vs. bio-based) accelerate.
Expectations for 2026 reflect current investments in upstream acetaldehyde capacity and sustainability agendas driving feedstock transition. Regions reliant on imported ethanol or petrochemicals may face higher volatility, while those securing captive upstream routes project more price stability. Shifting regulatory frameworks for hazardous air pollutant emissions and growing differentiation by end-user certification will likely widen the price band between standard and specialty grades.
Data inputs include trade customs records, ICIS and ChemOrbis market monitoring, plant expansion press releases, and buyer tender disclosures. Delays in plant construction or escalation of environmental rules present primary upside risks to price forecasts.
Plant expansions in eastern China and new capacity in South Asia reflect direct responses to upstream acetaldehyde and downstream herbicide market signals. Incidents of unscheduled maintenance or force majeure declarations have led buyers to reassess safety stocks.
Recent enforcement of stricter VOC and hazardous waste rules in China and the EU forces plants to invest in additional scrubbing and waste treatment. Risk of sudden suspension rises for facilities that fall behind environmental reporting or abatement implementation timelines—buyers face increased due diligence costs to verify ongoing supply eligibility.
Technical teams focus on reducing unplanned downtime through predictive analytics for compressor units, tighter process controls to manage in-reactor polymerization, and scheduled catalyst swaps. Quality control updates target earlier impurity detection and batch segregation protocols. Proactive engagement in regulatory audits and transparent pollutant disclosure reduce customer risk of surprise disruptions. Regional storage investments—buffer stock near major ports—help moderate the impact of production hiccups, though managing heat-sensitive product specs in varying climates remains a handling challenge.
Crotonaldehyde serves as an intermediate in multiple industrial sectors. In the production of sorbic acid and its salts, dependable reactivity and minimal impurity loads are central. Fine chemical synthesis, including the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, often calls for stringent impurity profiles due to catalyst sensitivities and potential carry-over effects. For the manufacture of specialty resins and fragrance ingredients, color stability upon storage and compatibility with downstream additives require close monitoring. In large-scale solvent and leather processing, operators often tolerate wider impurity bands but demand batch-to-batch consistency to maintain process flow and end-product reproducibility.
| Application | Typical Product Grade | Key Performance Targets | Relevant Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorbic Acid Synthesis | High Purity | Aldehyde content, Color index, Limited by-products | Purity (Aldehyde %), Color, Acid number |
| Pharmaceutical Intermediates | Fine Chemical Grade | Ultra-low trace metal impurities, GC purity, Consistent reactivity | PURITY GC, Metal residue levels, Stability profile |
| Resin/Fragrance Ingredients | Industrial Grade/Custom | Color consistency, Resin compatibility, Odor threshold | Color, Odor, Residual solvents |
| Solvents, Leather Treatments | Technical Grade | Continuous supply, Cost efficiency, Acceptable impurity range | Purity range, Batch reproducibility, Storage stability |
End-use shapes which parameters receive the closest monitoring. Purity specifications are usually the narrowest for pharmaceutical and food-related manufacturing, where any off-spec contamination may trigger batch rejection. Resin and polymer industries monitor hue and polymerization tendency, given their effect on product appearance and downstream reactivity. For solvent and extractive applications, broader impurity windows often balance cost and performance. Whenever fine chemical or API use is expected, quality teams will closely follow metal content and specific chromatographic profile across lots.
Direct discussions with end users clarify the intended transformation or formulation. Teams should confirm if the crotonaldehyde enters regulated ingredients, catalyst-driven synthesis, or bulk processing. Each path imposes different limits on impurities and stability.
For any synthesis contributing to food, pharmaceutical, or nicotine products, national or international compliance thresholds will dictate which quality systems, batch traceability, and impurity controls must be met. Upstream documentation must support regulatory filings as required by law.
Operators determine their margins for aldehyde content, color, and process-derived by-products. Typically, high-purity grades sit within internal control limits refined by historical customer feedback and long-term supply agreements. Fine chemical applications usually reference GC trace impurities and, if required by customers, full impurity profiles validated against their downstream process tolerances.
Bulk consumers in resin or leather sectors may prioritize price and shipment scheduling over ultra-high purity. For pilot or specialty grades, cost per unit and logistics coordination play critical roles. In these cases, production selects between large continuous runs or campaign batches according to forecasted commitments and available purification assets.
Once the process application is mapped to an appropriate product grade, technical teams prepare trial samples. Pre-shipment screening aligns with agreed specification sheets. Quality control tracks release results, and users confirm the suitability in small-scale validation. Approval triggers the definition of routine supply, documentation batching, and final delivery process.
Crotonaldehyde manufacturing operates under a quality management system compliant with widely recognized industrial standards. Certification audits cover operational control, document traceability, and periodic verification of manufacturing records. The most critical checkpoints include the management of starting aldehyde feedstock, reaction control, and batch-wise impurity tracking. Successful completion of re-certification audits signals consistency in system implementation, not only on paper but on every batch release.
Certification for crotonaldehyde aligns with chemical industry requirements relevant in each jurisdiction, with a particular emphasis on compliance with chemical registration, notification, or acceptance into controlled substance lists where applicable. Regulatory documentation confirms origins of raw materials, cross-contamination prevention, and establishes traceability throughout the lifecycle of each lot. Product grade—commercial, technical, or higher purity—determines the tightness of quality attribute windows and the supporting test certificates provided during delivery.
Every shipment of crotonaldehyde includes a full certificate of analysis on key parameters such as purity profile, color, and key impurity (aldehydes, acrolein, and water content) for the relevant product grade. Methods for these analyses rely on validated in-house or externally recognized protocols, and documented batch records are reviewable for audit purposes. Process deviations, non-conformities, and out-of-trend results are logged with root cause and corrective action documentation, available to customers under confidentiality terms.
Our crotonaldehyde production scheduling relies on secured sourcing of major feedstock and real-time adjustment to process runs according to downstream demand and seasonality of customer off-take. The manufacturing setup includes parallel reactor lines and redundancy in storage tanks to buffer against short-term logistical interruptions. For large-volume customers or those with campaign-based usage, custom allocation plans can be drafted to ensure execution on longer-term supply agreements, including backup supply via contract manufacturing when requested.
Manufacturing lines are configured to balance continuous output with controlled inventory turnover, limiting product aging issues during unforeseen delays. Batch-to-batch traceability supports rapid issue localization. In regions with logistical challenges or regulatory export controls on aldehydes, supply agreements are negotiated for forward allocation, and compliance with dual-use law or restricted substance management is jointly reviewed.
Sample provision depends on grade selection—standard technical grade is usually available from production inventory; custom grades, non-standard packing, or pre-tested lots require production lab release. Customers are required to outline intended use and volume forecast to facilitate appropriate sample batch preparation. Each sample undergoes the same quality release process as full-scale batches, and a technical support contact is assigned for feedback, specification alignment, and rapid troubleshooting.
Collaborative procurement models include annual call-off orders, spot purchases, and consignment stock within customer-controlled warehouses when justified by volume commitment. Contract flexibility extends to logistics routing (direct delivery, consolidator use), packaging formats (bulk tanks, drums, IBCs), and alignment of test methods. For customers operating under differentiated regulatory environments or with special compliance requirements, joint audits, process data sharing, and technical Q&A sessions are arranged to match documentation and operational transparency expectations.
| Key Quality & Procurement Features | Manufacturer’s Approach |
|---|---|
| Quality management certification | Subject to continuous third-party surveillance and cross-departmental review |
| Product-specific certification | Issued in line with local and export regulatory needs; depends on grade and purpose |
| Supply continuity | Supported by multi-line manufacturing and logistics redundancies |
| Sample handling | Full traceability and quality documentation as per production batches |
| Flexible cooperation | Order modes, logistics, compliance support tailored by agreement scope and customer need |
Ongoing R&D efforts related to crotonaldehyde focus on process optimization, selectivity improvements, and minimizing byproduct formation. Continuous process intensification targets higher yields and lower energy consumption, especially as demand rises for grades supporting pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates. Researchers are examining catalytic system upgrades, improvements in condensation reaction controls, and alternative raw material sourcing to reduce upstream variability.
Expansion into fine chemicals and advanced monomer synthesis is drawing attention. End-users in polymer, fragrance, and pharmaceutical segments require crotonaldehyde with tighter impurity profiles, especially for downstream aldehyde- or alcohol-based transformations. Interest is growing for use in specialty adhesives and performance coatings, where functionality and reactivity of the aldehyde group position crotonaldehyde as a unique building block.
The main technical challenge remains control of side reactions, specifically aldol condensation and over-reduction pathways that generate non-target species. Operational consistency—batch-to-batch moisture, pH management, and catalyst activity—directly impacts final quality. Recent breakthroughs in in-line monitoring techniques and improved gas-phase catalytic processes have trimmed batch cycle times and reduced residuals at the ppm level, providing more reliable product for sensitive downstream syntheses.
Crotonaldehyde market dynamics closely track downstream developments in herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and resin intermediates. Demand patterns reflect regulatory shifts, user specification tightening, and the emergence of alternative chemicals for certain segments. Market analysis indicates incremental volume growth in Asia-Pacific, with stability or moderate contraction in legacy markets tied to environmental restrictions.
Technology is evolving toward continuous production, advanced purification media, and real-time analytics to address impurity management. Adoption of catalytic systems based on renewable or less hazardous materials has begun to see pilot-scale trials. Process intensification initiatives are designed to meet downstream requirements for consistent reactivity and lower trace impurity carryover—particularly critical in pharmaceutical precursor applications.
Sustainability concerns drive research into energy-efficient synthesis routes and valorization of byproducts. Greater transparency in the origin of feedstocks is being asked for by major end users. Internal research teams are piloting water reuse, minimization of hazardous effluent, and incorporating bio-based starting materials when application performance and cost parameters permit.
Our technical department supports customers on product selection and application compatibility, offering process suitability analysis for downstream aldehyde, alcohol, and polymer applications. Assistance focuses on reactivity performance, impurity profile evaluation, and compliance with user-specific specifications.
Collaboration with user formulation and process teams ensures alignment with individual technical requirements, such as control over color, odor, or volatility. Technical support includes advising on purification steps, shelf-life management based on storage conditions, and compatibility with stabilizers or inhibitors. Guidance covers product behavior across grades—neutral grade for chemical processing, high-purity grade for pharmaceutical forming, and stabilized formulations for storage-sensitive use.
Service includes rapid inquiry response, technical documentation tailored to customer grade requirements, and review of batch analytical reports. Efforts focus on supporting customer audits, providing process traceability, and assisting with trouble-shooting for both formulation and production process deviations. Specific after-sales actions address technical deviations, logistics issues, and customer feedback loops to gather data for ongoing product and service improvement.
Producing crotonaldehyde at scale involves precise reaction control and continuous monitoring from raw material intake through the final distillation stages. Our site handles the full manufacturing sequence in-house. We manage all parameters—feedstock quality, reaction kinetics, separation efficiency, and impurity thresholds. Each batch receives documented tracking from start to shipment release. Only material that meets our target purity, water content, and color stability leaves the plant.
Crotonaldehyde serves as an essential intermediate in several industrial chains. Most regular customers operate in synthetic flavor and fragrance manufacturing, solvent formulation, and the synthesis of sorbic acid and denatonium compounds. Polymer factories also use crotonaldehyde as a selective monomer in specialty resins. Over time, we've observed growing demand from agricultural chemical producers and the coatings sector. The consistency of our product streamlines downstream reactions and keeps waste ratios low.
In our operation, reproducible output is not a marketing claim, it is a direct result of real process discipline. In-line analytics and robotic sampling maintain our product within strict physical and chemical ranges. Our lab team performs endpoint GC/HPLC checks and color assessments. Finished crotonaldehyde undergoes microfiltration and is sealed in vapor-tight conditions to prevent degradation during storage and shipping. Supply partners value shipment traceability that includes lot-level analytics and real production timestamps.
We maintain inventory in both small and bulk packaging. Customers often require steel drums with nitrogen blanketing for R&D labs. Production sites typically request IBC tanks or tank truck deliveries. Our filling systems integrate leak checks and vapor recovery to handle the material safely on high-turnover schedules. Delivery timelines are set by our loading bay capacity and shown on contract schedules—not by an outside party.
Project teams and process engineers receive factual technical assistance drawn from our own operational experience. If a fabrication line encounters foaming, compatibility limitation, or downstream reaction inhibition with crotonaldehyde, we evaluate root causes in our labs. Specifications, reactivity profiles, and safe handling guidelines reflect lessons from years of plant-scale production. Support includes formulation recommendations, impurity management, and logistics troubleshooting, not generic documentation.
Purchasing directly from the original producer reduces supply risks and cost volatility. Immediate control over product scheduling, access to technical specialists, and full backward traceability simplify both procurement processes and quality audits. Distributors working with us can plan their own downstream blending or end-user allocation without delays from multi-level handling. For manufacturing operations, lower reject ratios, more predictable reaction yields, and consistent drum-to-drum performance contribute directly to cost control and regulatory compliance.
As a direct producer of crotonaldehyde, we work with this colorless to pale-yellow liquid every day. Chemically known as but-2-enal, crotonaldehyde brings a pungent odor and a strong reactivity into the plant. Its formula, C4H6O, signals an unsaturated aldehyde structure, granting both utility and challenges to chemical manufacturing operations. Our teams monitor crotonaldehyde’s volatility and flammability as a matter of routine and handle its irritant vapor carefully with proven containment procedures.
With its conjugated double bond and reactive aldehyde group, crotonaldehyde serves as a versatile starting material in organic syntheses. The double bond and aldehyde react sites allow for a range of downstream transformations. This reactivity underpins its status as a feedstock in large-scale production environments, especially when time, yield, and reliability are major priorities.
Our main production output goes to three broad sectors: fine chemicals, agrochemical intermediates, and additives.
Chemical Synthesis: Crotonaldehyde functions as a core intermediate in the manufacture of sorbic acid, a widely used food preservative. Through controlled oxidation and condensation reactions, we supply crotonaldehyde that feeds directly into sorbic acid plants operating at high volume. For those working with pharmaceutical intermediates, crotonaldehyde’s reactivity helps build more complex molecules — it’s often converted to heterocycles, vitamins, and specialty chemicals.
Agrochemical Production: Several crop protection agents and herbicide actives rely on crotonaldehyde during multi-stage synthesis. Its role as a carbon backbone helps form pyrazoles, pyridines, and related chemistries used in the field. We maintain robust supply chains to ensure uninterrupted access for demanding agricultural campaigns.
Additives & Specialized Polymers: In the plastics and rubber sectors, crotonaldehyde assists as a chain stopper, crosslinker, and plasticizer precursor. Manufacturers seeking modified polyvinyl alcohols or custom coatings benefit from crotonaldehyde’s ability to promote efficient covalent bond formation under mild conditions.
Direct exposure to crotonaldehyde vapors can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. We implement technical controls and train all personnel on strict safety protocols — chemical-resistant materials, closed-system transfers, and monitored storage all help maintain a safe workplace. Given its low flash point and miscibility with water and organic solvents, our logistics division uses approved UN-rated drums and tankers, with continuous monitoring for leaks or spills.
On the production floor, real-world conditions demand reliability from every batch. We oversee quality at each stage, from acrolein dimerization through purification, confirming compliance with custom specifications by GC and NMR as required. Our technical team works with downstream users to optimize reactivity and minimize process waste, improving yields and safety together. Detailed product data, storage best practices, and technical consultation are always available.
Meeting market demand for crotonaldehyde calls for consistency and technical know-how. Through engineering controls and application support, we keep production safe and efficient, so specialty chemical and agricultural manufacturers can focus on growth and innovation.
Handling Crotonaldehyde at the manufacturer level means facing real-world conditions that shape packaging size and logistics. We have worked with large-volume buyers in sectors from agrochemicals to pharmaceuticals and understand the demands of safe transport and operational efficiency. Crotonaldehyde’s reactivity and sensitivity push us to follow strict standards for both storage and shipping, so we employ materials and formats trusted across the chemical industry for volatile organics.
In our factory, most orders for Crotonaldehyde leave the production floor in steel drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). Steel drums still dominate the market for this product thanks to their durability and leak resistance. Standard drum sizes we ship include 200-liter (approx. 170 kg net) and 250-liter drums, selected for both transport safety and ease of handling in most plant environments. For higher-volume operations, we load IBCs at 1,000 liters (over 850 kg net). Using IBCs cuts down on manual drum handling and speeds up bulk chemical transfer at the destination.
Crotonaldehyde’s chemical nature and regulatory status limit how small we can scale. Safe transport rules and our own production throughput always mean we set a minimum order volume. In normal business, we define the minimum quantity as a single drum, so our smallest shipment is one 200-liter drum. Bulk buyers in chemical synthesis, resin manufacturing, and flavor and fragrance production usually request palletized drum loads or multiple IBCs shipped together. Large annual contracts sometimes call for tank truck deliveries to fitted facilities.
By maintaining uniform drum and IBC sizes, we provide predictable volumes and keep batch testing, traceability, and compliance work streamlined. We can supply Crotonaldehyde with a range of technical specifications, and our quality assurance team provides batch-specific details and shipping documentation with each order. This tracking ensures product quality and handles all paperwork required for cross-border shipments or regulated industries.
Crotonaldehyde’s volatility and high reactivity make secure closures, inert linings, and careful drum selection necessary. We use new or fully reconditioned steel drums with tight seals and chemical-compatible linings. For IBCs, only tanks lined for aldehyde compatibility go on the filling line. We also continually work to reduce emissions and improve the safety of filled containers both in our own storage and in transit. Our technical team is available to address specific queries about compatibility with receiving systems, or to develop custom bulk-handling solutions for integrated manufacturing lines.
In some regions, we can look into returnable packaging programs or bulk direct transfers, provided customers have adequate in-house storage and ventilation. These practices cut packaging waste and help meet sustainability targets without compromising product safety or shelf life. All packaging units are clearly labeled with hazard, composition, and batch information to comply with legal regulations where our shipments are going, making it straightforward for site personnel to receive and process Crotonaldehyde.
We consistently ship Crotonaldehyde in drums and IBCs, setting a one-drum minimum per consignment. Our team works directly with procurement managers and technical staff to match packaging format with site capabilities and output needs. We draw on experience from years of large-scale production and international shipping to keep operations reliable, compliant, and responsive to buyer demand.
Handling crotonaldehyde requires respect for its volatility and toxicity. We produce it daily, and our teams work directly with its sharp odor and high reactivity. Every drum, tank, or container in our facility meets strict requirements. We keep crotonaldehyde away from heat sources and sunlight. Our warehouses offer cool, well-ventilated spaces, with temperatures maintained below 30°C. Open flames are strictly forbidden. Static discharge controls matter just as much as fire prevention, so all containers are bonded and grounded. Crotonaldehyde reacts easily with strong acids or bases, as well as with oxidizers, so our inventory system tracks both substance types and proximity. Our containers resist corrosion and chemical attack, and each unit undergoes leak testing before use. Storage rooms include emergency eye wash stations and showers within arm’s reach—practical steps born from experience rather than theory.
We ship crotonaldehyde under the UN number 1143, classified as a Class 6.1 toxic substance. All containers are clearly labeled and secured to prevent spills or accidental opening. Our technical team trains every handler on hazardous material procedures. For road transport, we work within ADR conventions. For ocean freight, our shipments follow IMDG code provisions. Rail and air shipments comply with RID and IATA DGR standards. Our drivers carry shipping papers outlining emergency instructions, and every vehicle used in our process features secondary containment—no exceptions.
Packaging plays a decisive role in safe handling. We use high-integrity steel drums or IBCs suitably coated to resist the compound’s aggressive behavior. Gaskets and seals are fluoropolymer-based to withstand permeation. Before shipping any order, each packaged unit passes pressure and leak checks. We never recommend plastic containers, as crotonaldehyde can degrade unsuitable polymers. The reality of unforeseen motion during transport means robust construction and secure stacking prevent shifting and damage on the road.
Years of production have shown that seemingly minor lapses in housekeeping can escalate quickly. Even a few drops of crotonaldehyde left in an unventilated area can affect neighboring material or create harmful vapors. Our teams run regular drills—spills, leaks, and exposure scenarios are not merely theoretical. We keep absorbents, neutralizing solutions, and PPE accessible, and our in-house procedures build in double-checks on sealing, weight, and documentation before any truck leaves the yard.
Regulations worldwide continue evolving, but the principles remain constant: secure containment, minimization of exposure risk, strong documentation, and ongoing training. Crotonaldehyde is a key part of our product line, and we take these measures because nothing else will do if safety, compliance, and reputation matter. Our experience shapes each aspect of our approach, from how we fill and seal every drum to the audit trail accompanying each shipment, end to end.
For product inquiries, sample requests, quotations or after-sales support, please feel free to contact me directly via sales7@bouling-chem.com, +8615371019725 or WhatsApp: +8615371019725
