Review on the Synthesis and Biological Activities of Acrolein and Its Acetal Form

Acrolein (2-propenal) is the simplest α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. Humans are exposed to acrolein by smoking, burning woods, oil or fats in meats and vegetables, and by endogenous formation through lipid peroxidation. Acrolein is a highly electrophilic molecule, and readily reacts with nucleophilic biomolecules such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. This high reactivity causes acrolein to have detrimental effects on human or bacteria. The syntheses of acrolein from several starting materials were described. Additionally, several acrolein derivatives and their synthetic process were described with particular emphasis on the acetal forms of acrolein. It is suggested that acrolein and its acetal forms need to be further investigated for medicinal properties.