acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is a colorless, flammable chemical with a strong, fruity smell. It naturally occurs in small amounts during the process of metabolizing alcohol in the body and is also found in some foods and cigarette smoke. Chemically, it is an aldehyde, meaning it has a specific type of chemical group. Acetaldehyde is important industrially for making products like perfumes, flavors, and plastics. However, exposure to high levels can be harmful, causing irritation and other health issues. It plays a key role in the body's processing of alcohol but must be managed carefully due to its toxicity at higher concentrations.