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Vanillin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
CAS number
121-33-5
IUPAC name
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
State
State

At room temperature, vanillin is in a solid state. It is commonly found in a powdered or crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
81.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
354.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
285.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
558.15
General information
Molecular weight
152.15g/mol
Molar mass
152.1490g/mol
Density
1.0560g/cm3
Appearence

Vanillin appears as a white to slightly yellowish crystalline solid. It has a distinctive and pleasant aroma, commonly associated with the vanilla bean. The crystals take a needle-like form and can be quite appealing to the eye.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (C8H8O3)

4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde, commonly known as vanillin, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are noteworthy for both industrial and academic applications.

  • Polar Solvents: Vanillin is highly soluble in polar solvents such as water and ethanol. This solubility is attributed to the presence of hydroxyl (-OH) and methoxy (-OCH3) groups, which enhance interactions with the solvent molecules.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: Conversely, its solubility in non-polar solvents is relatively low. For example, it does not dissolve well in hexane or other non-polar organic solvents, which limits its use in certain formulations.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of vanillin can also be influenced by temperature; typically, increasing the temperature enhances the solubility in water and other solvents.

To summarize, the solubility of C8H8O3 can be expressed as follows:

  • Soluble in:
    • Water
    • Ethanol
    • Other polar solvents
  • Poorly soluble in:
    • Hexane
    • Other non-polar solvents

This unique solubility profile makes vanillin a versatile compound in flavoring, fragrance industries, and in various chemical syntheses.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxy-Benzaldehyde

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde, also known as vanillin, is an intriguing compound widely recognized for its aromatic properties and various applications in fields ranging from culinary arts to biotechnology. Here are some noteworthy points about this captivating compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: Vanillin is primarily derived from the vanilla bean, making it one of the most cherished flavoring agents in the food industry. Its unique aroma contributes significantly to the characteristic flavor of vanilla.
  • Synthesis Techniques: While naturally sourced, vanillin can also be synthesized through several methods, including the chemical transformation of compounds such as lignin, a byproduct of paper manufacturing. This highlights its versatility in production.
  • Biological Significance: Research suggests that vanillin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties, stirring interest in the scientific community regarding its health benefits.
  • Use in Fragrance: Beyond the kitchen, vanillin is a staple in the perfume industry due to its sweet and creamy scent. It often enhances the fragrance profiles of various products.
  • Artistic Applications: Interestingly, the compound has also found its way into art, where artists have utilized it in the creation of vanillin-based inks and paints, illustrating its diverse functionalities.

In summary, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde is more than just a flavoring agent; it embodies a blend of science, art, and health, demonstrating the fascinating intersections that exist within the realm of chemistry.

Synonyms
vanillin
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
121-33-5
Vanillaldehyde
Vanillic aldehyde
p-Vanillin
Lioxin
Vanilline
3-Methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde
Vanilla
4-Hydroxy-m-anisaldehyde
2-Methoxy-4-formylphenol
Benzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-
Zimco
p-Hydroxy-m-methoxybenzaldehyde
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
Methylprotocatechuic aldehyde
4-Formyl-2-methoxyphenol
Vanilin
Vanillin (natural)
4-Hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde
m-Anisaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-
Protocatechualdehyde, methyl-
FEMA No. 3107
vaniline
Rhovanil
Protocatechualdehyde 3-methyl ether
Vanillin (NF)
NSC 15351
CCRIS 2687
Vanillin Melting Point Standard
HSDB 1027
Vanillin, natural
EINECS 204-465-2
MFCD00006942
NSC-15351
NSC-48383
Vanillin [NF]
NSC-403658
UNII-CHI530446X
BRN 0472792
m-Methoxy-p-hydroxybenzaldehyde
Vanillin (Standard)
CHEBI:18346
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzyldehyde
AI3-00093
NPLC-0145
CHI530446X
CHEMBL13883
DTXSID0021969
EC 204-465-2
H-0264
4-08-00-01763 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
NSC15351
Vanillin-13C
4-HYDROXY,3-METHOXY-BENZALDEHYDE
NCGC00091645-03
4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin)
VANILLIN (II)
VANILLIN [II]
VANILLIN (MART.)
VANILLIN [MART.]
WLN: VHR DQ CO1
Vanillin [USAN]
DTXCID301969
VANILLIN (EP MONOGRAPH)
VANILLIN [EP MONOGRAPH]
Vanillinum
Oleoresin vanilla
Vanilla oleoresin
CAS-121-33-5
3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde
Vanillin Essential
Vanillin ex Clove
oleo-Resins vanilla
V55
Vanillin - natural
Vanillin sodium salt
Vanillin (Rhovanil)
Vanillin - synthetic
Vanillin (Rhovea(R))
VANILLIN [FHFI]
VANILLIN [HSDB]
FEMA Number 3107
oleo-Resins vanilla-bean
VANILLIN [FCC]
VANILLIN [MI]
VANILLIN [VANDF]
methyl-Protocatechualdehyde
bmse000343
bmse000597
bmse010006
Methylprotcatechuic aldehyde
VANILLIN [USP-RS]
VANILLIN [WHO-DD]
SCHEMBL1213
Vanillin Nat Ex ferulic acid
MLS002303069
BIDD:ER0330
Vanillin, puriss., 99.5%
GTPL6412
SGCUT00016
4-hydroxy 3-methoxybenzaldehyde
METHYLPROTOCATECHUALDEHYDE
HY-N0098R
Vanilla oleoresin (vanilla SPP)
3-methoxy-4-hydroxy benzaldehyde
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde
VANILLIN, NATURAL [FHFI]
3-methoxy-4-hydroxy benzoaldehyde
Vanillin, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
4-hydroxy-3-(methoxy)benzaldehyde
HMS3651D20
HMS3885K07
Vanillin, >=97%, FCC, FG
4-hydoxy-3-(methyloxy)benzaldehyde
BCP29943
HY-N0098
LDA88484
NSC48383
STR01001
to_000089
Tox21_113534
Tox21_201925
Tox21_300352
4-hydoxy-3-(methyloxy)benz aldehyde
BBL011956
BDBM50177405
MFCD08702848
NSC403658
s3071
STK199262
AKOS000118929
Tox21_113534_1
CCG-266230
CS-W020052
FV09779
RP10096
Vanillin, tested according to Ph.Eur.
NCGC00091645-01
NCGC00091645-02
NCGC00091645-04
NCGC00091645-05
NCGC00091645-07
NCGC00254468-01
NCGC00259474-01
Vanillin, natural, >=97%, FCC, FG
AC-10370
BP-10602
FV156832
NCI60_001085
SMR000156285
SY224451
Vanillin 1000 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
Vanillin, JIS special grade, >=98.0%
Vanillin, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
3-Methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (vanillin)
DB-003805
CS-0694801
H0264
NS00009754
SW219190-1
V0080
EN300-18281
vanillin (3-methoxy-4-hydroxy- benzaldehyde)
C00755
D00091
Q33495
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde inclusion complex
Vanillin (83 degrees C) Melting Point Standard
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-Benzaldehyde-5-chlorovanillin
4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (ACD/Name 4.0)
AC-907/21098004
BRD-K24258499-001-05-8
Vanillin, TraceCERT(R), certified reference material
Z57772449
F2190-0587
Vanillin, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 51143093, Vanillin
Vanillin, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
NSC 15351;NSC-15351; NSC15351 pound>>4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
Vanillin, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
InChI=1/C8H8O3/c1-11-8-4-6(5-9)2-3-7(8)10/h2-5,10H,1H
Vanillin Melting Point Standard, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
204-465-2
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 51143093, Vanillin, traceable to primary standards (LGC)
Vanillin melting point standard, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material