Ketones & Aldehydes
Benzaldehyde
CAS 100-52-7 — Almond/Cherry Flavoring & Pharmaceutical Intermediate
Benzaldehyde is the primary component of bitter almond oil and a key intermediate in pharmaceutical, dye, and agrochemical synthesis. Texas-Chem supplies industrial and food-grade benzaldehyde in bulk drums and totes.
CAS Number
100-52-7
Boiling Point
178 °C
Flash Point
64 °C — Combustible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes
Structure
C₇H₆O — Benzaldehyde — CAS 100-52-7
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- Flash Point
- 64 °C (147 °F) — Combustible
- OSHA PEL
- Not established (use ACGIH TLV 1 ppm)
- DOT Hazard Class
- 9 — Combustible Liquid — UN 1990
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Also Known As
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 100-52-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₆O |
| Molecular Weight | 106.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Boiling Point | 178 °C (352 °F) |
| Flash Point | 64 °C (147 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.044 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.3 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Water Solubility | 0.3 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Odor | Almond/cherry — intense, characteristic |
| Purity | 99% minimum (industrial) / 99.5% (food grade) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5440–1.5463 |
Industrial Applications
Flavors & Fragrances
Benzaldehyde is the primary component of bitter almond oil and is widely used as a cherry, almond, and marzipan flavoring in food and beverage applications. It is one of the most important flavor chemicals in the industry, used in confectionery, beverages, and baked goods.
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of ampicillin, mandelic acid, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients. Benzaldehyde is a key building block in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Dye & Pigment Manufacturing
Benzaldehyde is used in the synthesis of malachite green, crystal violet, and other triphenylmethane dyes used in textiles, paper, and biological staining.
Agrochemical Synthesis
Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pyrethroid insecticides (cypermethrin, permethrin) and other agrochemical active ingredients.
Fragrance Manufacturing
Used in perfumery as a cherry, almond, and floral note. Benzaldehyde is a key component in many fragrance formulations for personal care and household products.
Resin & Polymer Production
Used in the production of benzaldehyde-based resins and as a crosslinker in certain polymer systems.
Why Source Benzaldehyde from Texas-Chem
- Industrial and food-grade benzaldehyde in stock — drums and totes
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL
- Technical support for flavor, fragrance, and synthesis applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
Benzaldehyde — Frequently Asked Questions
Is food-grade benzaldehyde available?▾
Yes. Texas-Chem supplies food-grade benzaldehyde meeting FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) specifications for use as a flavoring agent in food and beverage applications. Food-grade benzaldehyde is listed as GRAS by the FDA and approved as food additive E1020 in the EU. Contact us for food-grade CoA and specification sheets.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic benzaldehyde?▾
Natural benzaldehyde is extracted from bitter almond oil, apricot kernels, or cherry pits and is labeled as "natural flavor" in food applications. Synthetic benzaldehyde is produced by the oxidation of toluene or the hydrolysis of benzal chloride and is labeled as "artificial flavor." Both are chemically identical (CAS 100-52-7) but differ in regulatory labeling and price. Texas-Chem supplies synthetic industrial and food-grade benzaldehyde.
What are the storage requirements for benzaldehyde?▾
Benzaldehyde is a combustible liquid (flash point 64 °C) and should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Benzaldehyde oxidizes slowly in air to form benzoic acid — store in tightly closed containers with minimal headspace. Add antioxidant (hydroquinone 50–100 ppm) for long-term storage. Shelf life is 2 years in sealed original containers.
What is the typical use level of benzaldehyde in food flavoring?▾
Benzaldehyde is used at very low levels in food applications due to its intense aroma — typically 1–50 ppm in the finished food product. In flavor concentrates, it may be used at 0.1–5% by weight. The FEMA GRAS use level varies by food category. Contact Texas-Chem for food-grade benzaldehyde with FCC compliance documentation.