Alessandro Moretti
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Published
Dec 24, 2025

Acrolein (C₃H₄O)

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
107-02-8
Formula
C₃H₄O
Molecular Weight
56.06 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

OSHA PEL
0.1 ppm
NIOSH REL
0.1 ppm
ACGIH TLV
0.1 ppm

Health Effects

Severe Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Pulmonary Edema
Yes
Eye Irritation
Yes
Lacrimation
Yes

Acrolein (C₃H₄O) safety information

Comprehensive safety and handling requirements

Detection Monitoring
Sensor Types
  • Electrochemical
  • Photoionization detector (PID)
  • Metal oxide semiconductor
  • Infrared
Detection Range0-10 ppm typical (must detect sub-ppm)
Alarm Setpoints
Low0.1 ppm (OSHA PEL/NIOSH REL)
High0.3 ppm (NIOSH STEL)
Evacuate2 ppm (NIOSH IDLH) - IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS
Colorimetric Tubes
  • Dräger Acrolein 0.5/a
  • Gastec 92
Analytical Methods
MethodTechniqueDetection Limit
NIOSH 2501GC-FID0.002 ppm
OSHA Method 78HPLC0.01 ppm
Odor Threshold0.16-1.0 ppm - provides warning BUT overlaps toxic range. DO NOT rely on odor alone.
Environmental Impact
Aquatic ToxicityVery toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.09-0.28 mg/L. Toxic at parts-per-million levels.
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days). Oxidizes to acrylic acid and CO2.
BioaccumulationLow bioaccumulation. Log Kow: 0.01. Does not accumulate.
Soil MobilityHigh mobility. Volatilizes rapidly from soil. Does not adsorb.
Atmospheric FatePhotolyzes rapidly via hydroxyl radicals. Atmospheric half-life: 7-20 hours. Contributes to ozone formation.
Ozone Depletionfalse
Reportable Releases
Water1 lb to navigable waters - IMMEDIATELY reportable
Air1 lb/day (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
RespiratoryFull-face pressure-demand SCBA or supplied-air respirator for >0.1 ppm. Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge acceptable for ≤0.1 ppm with escape provisions.
Eye ProtectionChemical safety goggles, full face shield. Extremely irritating to eyes.
Skin ProtectionNitrile or butyl rubber gloves, chemical-resistant suit. Acrolein causes severe skin burns - minimize exposure.
Reactivity
StabilityUNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily, especially when contaminated or exposed to light, heat, acids, or bases. MUST be stabilized.
PolymerizationViolent exothermic polymerization possible. Stabilizer (hydroquinone) required. Check stabilizer level before handling.
Incompatible Materials
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts (iron, copper)
  • Light
  • Air
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Formaldehyde
  • Acrolein vapors
  • Acrylic acid
Conditions To Avoid
  • Heat
  • Light
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Contamination
  • Sparks
  • Flames
Reactivity HazardEXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Strong reducing agent. Corrosive. May explode in fire.
Regulatory Classification
Un NumberUN1092
Dot Hazard Class6.1 (Toxic), 3 (Flammable liquid)
Dot LabelPoison, Flammable Liquid
Nfpa Codes
Health4
Flammability4
Reactivity3
Epa Hazard Categories
  • Acute toxicity (fatal if inhaled)
  • Flammability
  • Skin corrosion
  • Serious eye damage
  • Suspected carcinogen
Sara Title Iiitrue
Cercla Rq1 pound (0.454 kg)
Rcra CodeP003
Storage Requirements
Temperature RangeStore below 25°C, refrigerate if possible. Keep away from heat.
VentilationOutdoor storage preferred. Indoor: explosion-proof ventilation with emergency backup. Gas detection mandatory.
Incompatibilities
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts
  • Light (polymerization catalyst)
Container MaterialStainless steel or glass with PTFE seals. Stabilized with hydroquinone. Never use copper or brass.
SegregationIsolate from all other chemicals. Separate from oxidizers by 20 feet. Flammable storage cabinet.
Quantity LimitsMinimize on-site quantities. Many facilities limit to <10 gallons.
Special RequirementsCRITICAL: Store with stabilizer (hydroquinone 0.1-0.25%). Check stabilizer regularly. Gas detection system MANDATORY. Keep refrigerated. Store away from light. Emergency eyewash/shower within 10 seconds. Post "EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE" and "POISON" signs.

Produced From Contaminants

Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo

Produced From Materials

Ceramic Matrix Composites CMCs
Epoxy Resin Composites
Metal Matrix Composites MMCs
Phenolic Resin Composites
Polyester Resin Composites
Urethane Composites

Exposure Limits

Regulatory exposure thresholds and safe concentration levels

Osha Pel Ppm
0.1
Osha Pel Mg M3
0.25
Niosh Rel Ppm
0.1
Niosh Rel Mg M3
0.25
Acgih Tlv Ppm
0.1
Acgih Tlv Mg M3
0.23
Workplace Exposure
Osha Pel
twa_8hr: 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m³)
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
Niosh Rel
twa_8hr: 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m³)
stel_15min: 0.3 ppm (0.8 mg/m³) - 15 min
ceiling: null
idlh: 2 ppm
Acgih Tlv
twa_8hr: 0.1 ppm
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
Biological Exposure Indices

Physical Properties

Physical characteristics and state information

Boiling Point
52.7°C (127°F)
Melting Point
-87.7°C (-126°F)
Vapor Pressure
210 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density
1.94 (Air=1)
Specific Gravity
0.84
Flash Point
-26°C (-15°F)
Autoignition Temp
234°C (453°F)
Explosive Limits
LEL: 2.8%, UEL: 31%
Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor
Pungent, acrid, disagreeable odor - IMMEDIATE WARNING at 0.1 ppm

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and compatibility with other substances

Stability
UNSTABLE. Polymerizes readily, especially when contaminated or exposed to light, heat, acids, or bases. MUST be stabilized.
Polymerization
Violent exothermic polymerization possible. Stabilizer (hydroquinone) required. Check stabilizer level before handling.
Incompatible Materials
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Ammonia
  • Amines
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Metal salts (iron, copper)
  • Light
  • Air
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Formaldehyde
  • Acrolein vapors
  • Acrylic acid
Conditions To Avoid
  • Heat
  • Light
  • Oxidizers
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Contamination
  • Sparks
  • Flames
Reactivity Hazard
EXTREMELY REACTIVE. Polymerizes violently. Reacts violently with oxidizers. Strong reducing agent. Corrosive. May explode in fire.

Synonyms & Identifiers

Alternative names and chemical identifiers (CAS numbers)

Synonyms
  • Acrylaldehyde
  • 2-Propenal
  • Prop-2-enal
  • Aqualin
  • Biocide
Common Trade Names
  • Magnacide
  • Slimicide
Other Identifiers
Rtecs Number
AS1050000
Ec Number
203-453-4
Pubchem Cid
7847