2-Nonenal
2-Nonenal is an organic compound classified as a medium-chain unsaturated aldehyde, with the molecular formula C₉H₁₆O and a molecular weight of 140.22 g/mol.[1] It exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and oils, featuring a double bond between carbons 2 and 3 and an aldehyde group at carbon 1.[1] Chemically, it belongs to the family of monounsaturated fatty aldehydes and is commonly encountered in its (E)-isomer form, contributing to its characteristic oily, grassy, and slightly fatty aroma.[1][2] In food and fragrance industries, 2-Nonenal serves as a key flavoring and aroma ingredient, imparting notes reminiscent of cucumber, melon, and aged fats, and it occurs naturally in products such as beer, coffee, buckwheat, and watermelon.[1] Its sensory profile makes it valuable for enhancing the taste of processed foods and beverages, though it must be used in controlled amounts due to its potential to evoke off-flavors at higher concentrations.[1] Additionally, 2-Nonenal is a plant metabolite found in species like oats (Avena sativa) and certain fungi, underscoring its role in natural biochemical pathways.[1] Biologically, 2-Nonenal is notably implicated in human body odor, particularly the "aging odor" associated with elderly individuals, where it arises from the oxidative degradation of ω7-monounsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid, in skin surface lipids.[3] This process intensifies with age due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and slowed metabolism, leading to higher levels of lipid peroxidation products that produce an unpleasant, greasy scent.[3] Beyond odor, 2-Nonenal exhibits cytotoxic effects, promoting apoptosis in keratinocytes, reducing cell proliferation, and thinning epidermal layers, which may contribute to skin aging and damage.[3] It has also been identified as a uremic toxin, potentially exacerbating symptoms like nausea and cardiovascular issues in patients with kidney dysfunction, though its precise toxicological impact requires further study.[1] Safety assessments indicate it can cause skin and eye irritation, classifying it as a mild sensitizer.[1]Chemical Identity
Nomenclature and Structure
2-Nonenal is an organic compound commonly referred to by its trivial name, which indicates the position of the double bond and the aldehyde group in the nonane chain. The systematic IUPAC name for its predominant isomer is (2E)-non-2-enal, reflecting the trans configuration at the double bond.[2] The general designation "2-Nonenal" typically refers to this E-form, which is the most commonly studied and naturally occurring variant.[4] The molecular formula of 2-Nonenal is C₉H₁₆O, corresponding to a hydrocarbon chain with one oxygen atom incorporated into the aldehyde functionality. Structurally, it features a straight nine-carbon chain with an aldehyde group (-CHO) at position 1 and a carbon-carbon double bond between positions 2 and 3, classifying it as an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. This arrangement can be depicted as CH₃(CH₂)₅CH=CHCHO, where the trans geometry in the E isomer positions the aldehyde and alkyl chain on opposite sides of the double bond.[5][2] 2-Nonenal exhibits geometric isomerism due to the internal double bond, existing in E (trans) and Z (cis) forms. The E isomer predominates in natural sources, contributing to its characteristic presence in biological and food-related contexts.[6][7] As a derivative of fatty acid oxidation, 2-Nonenal arises from the peroxidation of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7), through non-enzymatic breakdown processes.[6]Physical and Chemical Properties
2-Nonenal is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a powerful, penetrating odor.[8] The following table summarizes key physical properties of 2-Nonenal:| Property | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 140.22 g/mol | - |
| Boiling point | 188–190 °C | 760 mm Hg |
| Density | 0.855–0.865 g/cm³ | 25 °C |
| Refractive index | 1.454–1.460 | 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble (204.9 mg/L estimated) | 25 °C |