phenylpropanal

Phenylpropanal, also known as hydrocinnamaldehyde or 3-phenylpropanal, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C9H10O. It is an aromatic aldehyde, meaning it contains both an aldehyde functional group and a phenyl ring. Structurally, it consists of a three-carbon chain attached to a phenyl group, with the aldehyde group at the end of the chain.

This compound typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It possesses a distinct aroma, often described as floral, hyacinth-like, or sometimes spicy. Due to its scent profile, phenylpropanal finds application in the fragrance industry, where it is used as an ingredient in perfumes and other scented products. It can contribute to the overall olfactory experience of a fragrance, adding specific notes and complexity.

Phenylpropanal can be synthesized through various chemical routes. One common method involves the oxidation of 3-phenylpropanol. It can also be prepared via the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene followed by reduction and subsequent oxidation steps. In nature, it has been identified as a component in certain essential oils, though its presence is generally in trace amounts. Its stability and reactivity are characteristic of aldehydes, undergoing reactions such as oxidation to the corresponding carboxylic acid and reduction to the alcohol.