benaldehydi

Benaldehydi, commonly known as benzaldehyde, is an aromatic aldehyde with the formula C7H6O (C6H5CHO). It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature and has a distinctive almond-like odor. The molecule consists of a formyl group attached to a phenyl ring, making it a versatile building block in organic synthesis. It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents.

Occurrence and production: Benzaldehyde occurs naturally in bitter almonds and in small amounts in several fruits and seeds. Industrially, it is produced mainly by partial oxidation of toluene using air and a catalyst, or by the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Other routes include hydrolysis of benzaldehyde acetals and oxidation of substituted toluenes.

Uses: It is widely used as a flavor and fragrance ingredient, providing almond, cherry, and marzipan notes. It is also a key industrial intermediate for the manufacture of fragrances, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. In organic synthesis, benzaldehyde participates in aldol condensations and other carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions, and it can be converted to cinnamaldehyde, benzal chloride, and various derivatives.

Safety: Benzaldehyde is flammable and can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with adequate ventilation, gloves, and eye protection, and kept away from heat and strong oxidizers. Chronic exposure may be harmful; avoid inhalation and ingestion.