Crotonaldehyde(2-Butenal) is an α, β-unsaturated aldehyde and extremely reactive compound. It serves as a chemical building block in the production of solvents, sorbates, and, to a lower extent, pharmaceuticals and aroma compounds. Additionally, it can be used as an alcohol denaturant, in leather tanning and in the manufacturing of rubber accelerators.

Crotonaldehyde is used:

• In the manufacturing of sorbic acid that are widely employed as food preservatives to avoid the food spoilage by microorganisms.