Benzaldehyde – the scent of bitter almond
Benzaldehyde – the scent of bitter almond
Benzaldehyde is the bitter almond-cherry aldehyde of perfumery – the molecule behind marzipan, cherry and almond notes. Benzaldehyde DD is the Symrise quality. This page summarises what the manufacturer's data say about the character, use, storage and classification of the material.
Contents
- What benzaldehyde is
- Odour profile
- Role in the formula and dosage
- Storage: the oxidation problem
- Classification and IFRA
- Frequently asked questions
1. What benzaldehyde is
Benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7, EC 202-860-4) is a small aromatic aldehyde with the molecular formula C7H6O and a molecular weight of 106.13 g/mol. It is the odour carrier of bitter almond oil. Benzaldehyde DD is made by Symrise AG in Holzminden and is a clear, colourless liquid.
According to the manufacturer, benzaldehyde is readily biodegradable at over 95 %.
2. Odour profile
Symrise describes Benzaldehyde DD with the descriptors "Fruity, Almond, Cherry, Apricot, Peach". The odour family according to the manufacturer is fruity; bitter almond, marzipan and cherry character are in the foreground.
3. Role in the formula and dosage
Benzaldehyde is a top to heart note material. It sets the bitter almond-cherry accent in gourmand compositions, cherry and stone-fruit notes (apricot, peach) and marzipan themes. As a small, volatile aldehyde (boiling point 179 °C, vapour pressure 133 Pa at 26 °C) it acts early in the dry-down and needs fixing partners in the base – in a gourmand accord, for example, a vanilla note such as Isobutavan.
Symrise states a use level of up to 2 % in the concentrate; even small amounts clearly steer a formula towards almond/cherry. The material is directly miscible in ethanol and common perfume oils (water solubility 6.95 g/l at 25 °C). Because of the low use levels, a pre-dilution is recommended.
4. Storage: the oxidation problem
Benzaldehyde oxidises easily in air even at room temperature to benzoic acid – recognisable by crystalline deposits. Therefore store tightly closed, cool, ventilated and in the dark, keep containers as small as possible and minimise the headspace. Keep away from aluminium, bases, iron, oxidising agents and phenol.
5. Classification and IFRA
According to the manufacturer's data, benzaldehyde is classified with GHS07, GHS08 and GHS09 and the signal word "Warning": H302+H332, H315, H319, H335, H361d and H411. For transport: UN 1990, class 9, packing group III; the flash point is approx. 64 °C. Work with gloves, eye protection and good ventilation.
The substance is subject to an IFRA Standard (Amendment 49, restriction due to dermal sensitisation and systemic toxicity); the maximum levels per product category in the current IFRA Standard are authoritative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Benzaldehyde DD?
The Symrise quality of benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7) – the bitter almond-cherry aldehyde for perfumery, a clear, colourless liquid.
How should benzaldehyde be dosed?
Symrise states a use level of up to 2 % in the concentrate. In addition, the maximum levels of the current IFRA Standard apply to the finished product.
Why does benzaldehyde form crystals over time?
Benzaldehyde oxidises easily in air even at room temperature to benzoic acid. Store it tightly closed, cool and dark, and keep the headspace in the container small.
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