Chem. [f. valer(ic) + al(dehyde): see VALERIC a.] A colorless, very mobile liquid obtained from valerianates or from amylic alcohol. Also attrib.
1852. W. Gregory, Handbk. Org. Chem., 236. Valeraldehyde or valeral.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 972. Valeral is usually prepared by oxidising amylic alcohol with chromate of potassium and sulphuric acid. Ibid., 974. Valeral-ammonia melts when heated.
