Substance profile
Acrolein
Acrolein is a colorless or yellowish liquid with an extremely sharp; extremely acrid, pungent, burnt sweet; hot fat odor.
01 · Identification
What Acrolein is
Acrolein is a colorless or yellowish liquid with an extremely sharp; extremely acrid, pungent, burnt sweet; hot fat odor. Its molecular formula is C3H4O and its molecular weight is 56.06 g/mol. It boils at 52.3 °C, melts at -87.8 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Acrolein identifiers and molecular data
Acrolein CAS number and EC number
Acrolein molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Acrolein
- prop-2-enal
- acrylaldehyde
03 · GHS classification
Acrolein hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Acrolein pictograms and signal word
Acrolein hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H300 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H311 | GHS06 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 1A or 1B or 1C | H314 | GHS05 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 1 | H400 | GHS09 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 1 | H410 | GHS09 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Acrolein hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Acrolein supplemental EU statements (EUH)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| EUH071 | Corrosive to the respiratory tract. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Acrolein. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Acrolein
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Acrolein issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Acrolein precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 19 precautionary statements to Acrolein. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Acrolein name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | акролеин проп-2-еналакрилалдехид |
| Spanish español | Acroleína prop-2-enalacrilaldehído |
| Czech čeština | akrolein prop-2-enalakrylaldehyd |
| Danish dansk | acrolein prop-2-enalacrylaldehyd |
| German Deutsch | Acrolein Prop-2-enalAcrylaldehydPropenal |
| Estonian eesti | akroleiin prop-2-enaalakrüülaldehüüd |
| Greek ελληνικά | ακρολεΐνη προπ-2-ενάληακρυλαλδεΰδη |
| English English | acrolein prop-2-enalacrylaldehyde |
| French français | acroléine prop-2-énalacrylaldéhyde |
| Croatian hrvatski | akrolein prop-2-enalakrilaldehid |
| Italian italiano | acrilaldeide acroleina2-propenale |
| Latvian latviešu | akroleīns prop-2-enālsakrilaldehīds |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | akroleinas 2-propenalisakrilaldehidas |
| Hungarian magyar | akrolein prop-2-enalakrilaldehid |
| Maltese Malti | akrolein prop-2-enalakrilaldeid |
| Dutch Nederlands | acroleïne prop-2-enalacrylaldehyde |
| Polish polski | akroleina prop-2-enalakrylaldehydaldehyd akrylowy |
| Portuguese português | acroleína prop-2-enalacrilaldeído |
| Romanian română | acroleină prop-2-enalaldehidă acrilică |
| Slovak slovenčina | akroleín propenálakrylaldehyd |
| Slovenian slovenščina | akrolein prop-2-enalakrilaldehid |
| Finnish suomi | akroleiini prop-2-enaaliakryylialdehydi |
| Swedish svenska | akrolein prop-2-enalakrylaldehyd |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Acrolein GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Acrolein, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Acrolein
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Fatal if swallowed.
- Toxic in contact with skin.
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- Very toxic to aquatic life.
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Corrosive to the respiratory tract.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Rinse mouth.
- Do NOT induce vomiting.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Collect spillage.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Acrolein in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Acrolein health hazards and exposure limits
Acrolein hazard summary
Acrolein is a colorless or yellow liquid with a disagreeable odor. It dissolves in water very easily and quickly changes to a vapor when heated. It also burns easily. Small amounts of acrolein can be formed and can enter the air when trees, tobacco, other plants, gasoline, and oil are burned. Acrolein is used as a pesticide to control algae, weeds, bacteria, and mollusks. It is also used to make other chemicals.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Acrolein carcinogenicity classification
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of acrolein. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of acrolein. Overall evaluation: Acrolein is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Acrolein occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 0.1 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m3) See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 0.3 ppm (0.8 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m3) ST 0.3 ppm (0.8 mg/m3) See Appendix C (Aldehydes) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 2 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 2.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 2 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Acrolein properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Acrolein boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 52.3 °C (126.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 52.78 °C (127 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 52.22 °C (126 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Acrolein melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -87.8 °C (-126 °F) | HSDB | |
| -87.78 °C (-126 °F) | NIOSH |
Acrolein density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.84 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8389 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.8424 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Acrolein solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone; slightly soluble in chloroform | HSDB | |
| Soluble in oxygenated solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2.11X10+5 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Acrolein vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 210 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 217.5 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 274 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Acrolein flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | -29 °C (-20.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -26.11 °C (-15 °F) | HSDB |
Acrolein autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 220 °C (428 °F) | HSDB | |
| 233.89 °C (453 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 234 °C (453.2 °F) | ICSC |
Acrolein lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.8 % by volume | HSDB |
Acrolein upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 31 % by volume | HSDB |
Acrolein vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 1.94 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.9 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Acrolein odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Air: 0.16 uL/L; Water: 0.11 mg/L; Odor safety class D; D= 10-50% of attentive persons can detect TLV concn in the air | HSDB | |
| Low= 0.0525 mg/cu m; High= 37.5000 mg/cu m; Irritating concn= 1.25 mg/cu m. | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.02 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Acrolein critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 233 °C (451.4 °F) | HSDB |
Acrolein corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive to iron & steel at room temperature | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Acrolein fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Acrolein fire potential
Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Acrolein storage and handling
Acrolein peroxide formation
D: Other compounds that may form peroxides
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
Acrolein safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Cool. Ventilation along the floor. Store only if stabilized. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Acrolein storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Store under inert gas. Handle and open container with care. Light sensitive. Heat- and air-sensitive. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Acrolein incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, oxygen, bases, strong acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Acrolein reactivity
ACROLEIN can react violently with oxidizing agents. Polymerizes exothermically on contact with small amounts of acids (including sulfur dioxide), alkalis, volatile amines and pyridines, salts, thiourea, oxidizing agents (air) and on exposure to light and heat. Polymerization initiated by amines and pyridines occurs after a deceptive induction period. Water solutions of mineral acids and metal ions can initiate polymerization. The inhibitor (usually hydroquinone) greatly reduces tendency to polymerize. Undergoes Diels-Alder reaction with itself to give acrolein dimer. This can become a runaway reaction at 90 °C [Kirk-Othmer, 4th Ed, Vol. 1]. Mixing in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: 2-aminoethanol, ammonium hydroxide, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylenediamine, ethyleneimine [NFPA 1991].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Acrolein in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Acrolein UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Acrolein under UN 1092 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACROLEIN, STABILIZED | 6.1 | TF1 | I | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 6.1 is “Toxic substances” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrolein, stabilized | 6.1 | I | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 6.1 is “Poisonous materials” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Acrolein — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Acrolein?
The CAS number of Acrolein is 107-02-8. Its EC number is 203-453-4.
What is the chemical formula of Acrolein?
The molecular formula of Acrolein is C3H4O and its molecular weight is 56.06 g/mol.
What does a Acrolein label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Acrolein carries the pictograms Flame, Skull and crossbones, Corrosion and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is Acrolein flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Acrolein H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is -29 °C (-20.2 °F) (HSDB).
Is Acrolein a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Acrolein. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Acrolein?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Acrolein is 0.1 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Acrolein?
The boiling point reported for Acrolein is 52.3 °C (126.1 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Acrolein?
The melting point reported for Acrolein is -87.8 °C (-126 °F) (HSDB).
How should Acrolein be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Acrolein the storage statement P403. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Store under inert gas. Handle and open container with care. Light sensitive. Heat- and air-sensitive. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Acrolein
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