C9H10O3

C9H10O3 is the molecular formula for several distinct chemical compounds, each with a unique arrangement of nine carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms. One prominent compound with this formula is vanillin. Vanillin is a phenolic aldehyde and a primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean. It is widely used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Its characteristic sweet, creamy, and pleasant aroma is highly desirable in many applications. Synthetically produced vanillin is a common alternative to natural vanilla extract.

Another compound with the formula C9H10O3 is ethyl 3-oxobutanoate, also known as ethyl acetoacetate. This is a beta-keto ester commonly employed in organic synthesis. It serves as a versatile building block in the preparation of various organic molecules, including heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceuticals, through reactions like the Knorr pyrrole synthesis and the acetoacetic ester synthesis. Its reactivity stems from the acidic alpha-hydrogens situated between the carbonyl groups.

Other isomers of C9H10O3 exist, differing in the placement of their functional groups and carbon skeleton. These variations lead to different physical and chemical properties, though they all share the same elemental composition. The identification and characterization of these isomers are crucial in fields such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and materials science.