Benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7) is a foundational compound in organic chemistry, recognized as the simplest aromatic aldehyde. Its unique structure, featuring a benzene ring directly attached to a formyl group (-CHO), imbues it with distinct chemical properties that drive its widespread industrial applications. For chemists and researchers, a deep understanding of these properties and the various synthesis pathways is crucial for effective utilization and procurement.

Chemical Structure and Key Properties of Benzaldehyde:

The molecular formula for Benzaldehyde is C7H6O. Its aromatic nature, conferred by the benzene ring, contributes to its stability, while the aldehyde group makes it reactive. Key physical and chemical properties include:

  • Appearance: A colorless liquid at room temperature.
  • Odor: Possesses a characteristic, strong, sweet aroma resembling bitter almonds.
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but miscible with most common organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and acetone.
  • Reactivity: The aldehyde group is susceptible to oxidation, readily converting to benzoic acid upon exposure to air. It can also undergo reduction to benzyl alcohol and participate in various condensation reactions.
  • Boiling Point: Approximately 178-179 °C, indicating moderate volatility.
  • Flash Point: Around 64 °C, classifying it as a combustible liquid.

Common Synthesis Routes for Benzaldehyde:

Several methods exist for the industrial synthesis of Benzaldehyde, catering to different scales and purity requirements. Understanding these routes can help procurement managers and formulators appreciate the manufacturing processes involved and the factors influencing product quality and price.

  1. Oxidation of Toluene: One of the most common industrial methods involves the gas-phase oxidation of toluene using air or oxygen in the presence of catalysts (e.g., vanadium pentoxide, molybdenum trioxide). This process can be optimized for high yields and purity.
  2. Hydrolysis of Benzyl Chloride: Toluene can be chlorinated to form benzyl chloride, which is then hydrolyzed and oxidized. Alternatively, chlorination to benzal chloride followed by hydrolysis is also a viable route.
  3. Gattermann-Koch Reaction: This method involves the formylation of benzene using carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride under pressure, catalyzed by aluminum chloride.
  4. Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol: Benzyl alcohol can be oxidized using various agents, such as nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide, to yield Benzaldehyde. This is often used in laboratory-scale preparations and for obtaining highly pure grades.
  5. Natural Extraction: Benzaldehyde can also be extracted from natural sources like bitter almond oil, though synthetic production is more common for industrial quantities due to cost and consistency.

Sourcing High-Quality Benzaldehyde from a Trusted Manufacturer

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