The main method of production the acetaldehyde is the oxidation of ethylene by the Wacker process. Acetaldehyde occurs naturally in coffee, bread, and ripe fruit, and is produced by plants. It is also produced by the partial oxidation of ethanol by the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and is a contributing cause of hangover after alcohol consumption.

Aldehyd octowy (acealdehyd) powstaje w wyniku rozkładu alkoholu (odpowiada za to enzym dehydrogenaza alkoholowa). To on jest głównym winowajcą kaca.