Ethanal

/ˈɛθənæl/ noun

Definition

The chemical name for acetaldehyde, an organic compound used in industry and formed when alcohol is oxidized in the body.

Etymology

From eth- (ethyl group) + an- (single bond) + al (aldehyde suffix). This is the IUPAC systematic chemical name, whereas 'acetaldehyde' is the common name for the same molecule.

Kelly Says

Ethanal is what your liver produces when it breaks down alcohol—it's actually the culprit behind hangovers, not the alcohol itself, because ethanal is toxic and your body has to work hard to get rid of it.

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