Title: Benzaldehyde
CAS Registry Number: 100-52-7
Additional Names: Benzoic aldehyde; artificial essential oil of almond
Molecular Formula: C7H6O
Molecular Weight: 106.12
Percent Composition: C 79.23%, H 5.70%, O 15.08%
Literature References: Occurs in kernels of bitter almonds; made synthetically from benzal chloride and lime or by oxidation of toluene. Laboratory prepn from benzal chloride: A. I. Vogel, Practical Organic Chemistry (Longmans, London, 3rd ed., 1959) p 693; Gattermann-Wieland, Praxis des Organischen Chemikers (de Gruyter, Berlin, 40th ed., 1961) p 184. Toxicity data: P. M. Jenner et al., Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 2, 327 (1964). Review: A. E. Williams in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 3 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1978) pp 736-743.
Properties: Strongly refractive liquid, becoming yellowish on keeping; characteristic odor of volatile oil of almond; burning aromatic taste. Oxidizes in air to benzoic acid; volatile with steam. d415 1.050; 1.043 at 25°. bp 179°. mp -56.5°. Flash pt 62°C. nD20 1.5456. Sol in 350 parts water; miscible with alcohol, ether, oils. It reduces ammoniacal AgNO3, but not Fehling's soln. Keep tightly closed and protected from light. LD50 in rats, guinea pigs (mg/kg): 1300, 1000 orally (Jenner).
Melting point: mp -56.5°
Boiling point: bp 179°
Flash point: Flash pt 62°C
Index of refraction: nD20 1.5456
Density: d415 1.050; 1.043 at 25°
Toxicity data: LD50 in rats, guinea pigs (mg/kg): 1300, 1000 orally (Jenner)
NOTE: Benzaldehyde FFC designates a grade of benzaldehyde free from chlorine.
CAUTION: Narcotic in high concns. May cause contact dermatitis.
Use: Manufacture of dyes, perfumery, cinnamic and mandelic acids, as solvent; in flavors. |