MOLECULE

Methacrolein

Methacrolein, also known as methacrylaldehyde, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as enals. These are alpha, beta unsaturated aldehydes, with the general chemical formula RC=C-CH=O in which the aldehydic C=O function is conjugated to a C=C double bond. It is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid. Methacrolein a major product from the reaction of isoprene with atmospheric OH, methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) being the other mayor product from that reaction (https://doi.org/10.1029/92JD02382). Both are important components of the atmospheric oxidation chemistry of biogenic chemicals. Methacrolein is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. The primary industrial use of methacrolein is for the manufacture of synthetic resins and polymers. Methacrolein can naturally be found in the essential oil of the plant Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), which contains approximately 5% of methacrolein. Methacrolein has also been reported to be present in cigarette smoke. Furthermore, it has been reported to be a volatile component of cannabis samples (PMID: 26657499).