piperonal

Piperonal, also known as heliotropin and 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde, is an aromatic aldehyde characterized by a benzodioxole ring bearing an aldehyde group. It is produced synthetically for industrial use as a fragrance and flavor ingredient and can be derived through established chemical routes from phenolic precursors.

In flavors and fragrances, piperonal provides a sweet, floral, vanilla-like aroma with hints of cherry. It is widely used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps, and as a flavoring agent in certain foods and beverages. Beyond its role as a scent and taste additive, it also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other fragrance materials and various organic compounds used in pharmaceuticals and research.

Safety and regulation: Piperonal is regarded as having low to moderate acute toxicity, with potential to cause irritation to skin, eyes, or the respiratory tract on exposure. It is subject to chemical safety controls and is regulated as a fragrance material and flavor ingredient by major regulatory bodies. In some jurisdictions, its production and use are monitored due to historical associations with the broader class of methylenedioxy compounds, which have been implicated in illicit drug synthesis routes.

History and naming: The term heliotropin comes from its characteristic scent, which resembles the heliotrope flower. The compound is a well-established and widely used ingredient in the flavor and fragrance industries, valued for its distinctive aroma profile.