4Methoxybenzaldehyde

4-Methoxybenzaldehyde, also known as p-anisaldehyde or anisic aldehyde, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3OC6H4CHO. It is an aromatic aldehyde that is a derivative of benzaldehyde with a methoxy group attached to the para position of the benzene ring. At room temperature, it is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a distinctive sweet, floral, anise-like odor. This aroma is characteristic and contributes to its widespread use in perfumery and flavoring.

The compound is naturally occurring and is found in essential oils of plants such as anise, fennel, and star anise. Industrially, it can be synthesized through various methods, including the oxidation of anethole or p-methoxytoluene. Its chemical properties are typical of aldehydes, undergoing reactions like oxidation to anisic acid and reduction to p-anisyl alcohol. It also participates in condensation reactions.

4-Methoxybenzaldehyde is widely employed as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics, imparting a sweet and spicy note. It also serves as a flavoring agent in food products, particularly those that benefit from an anise or licorice-like taste. In organic synthesis, it acts as a building block for the preparation of more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals. Its relatively low toxicity and pleasant scent make it a valuable compound in numerous applications.