2vanillin

2-Vanillin is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O3. It is an isomer of vanillin, the primary flavor component of vanilla beans. While vanillin is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 2-vanillin is 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde. This difference in the positions of the hydroxyl and methoxy groups on the benzaldehyde ring leads to distinct chemical and physical properties.

2-Vanillin is typically a crystalline solid. It is less commonly encountered than vanillin and does not possess the characteristic vanilla aroma or flavor. Its synthesis can be achieved through various chemical routes, often involving modifications of related phenolic compounds. Research into 2-vanillin has explored its potential as a building block in organic synthesis and its spectroscopic properties. Due to its structural similarity to vanillin, it can sometimes be a byproduct in certain chemical reactions or isolation processes where vanillin is the target compound. Its applications are not as widespread as those of vanillin, and it is not used as a flavoring agent in the food industry.