Vanillin

Synonyms: 4-Hydroxy-m-anisaldehyde; p-hydroxy-m-methoxybenzaldehyde; 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde; methylprotocatechuic aldehyde; Rhovanil; vanillic aldehyde; vanillinum.

Description: White or cream, crystalline needles or powder with characteristic vanilla odor and sweet taste.

Chemical Name: 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde

Flavoring agent.

• Vanillin is widely used as a flavor in pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, and confectionery products, to which it imparts a characteristic taste and odor of natural vanilla.

• It is also used in perfumes, as an analytical reagent and as an intermediate in the synthesis of a number of pharmaceuticals, particularly methyldopa. Additionally, it has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent in sickle cell anemia and is claimed to have some antifungal properties.

•  As a pharmaceutical excipient, vanillin is used in tablets, solutions (0.01–0.02% w/v), syrups, and powders to mask the unpleasant taste and odor characteristics of certain formulations, such as caffeine tablets and polythiazide tablets.

• It is similarly used in film coatings to mask the taste and odor of vitamin tablets.

Incompatible with acetone, forming a brightly colored compound. A compound practically insoluble in ethanol is formed with glycerin.

There have been few reports of adverse reactions to vanillin, although it has been speculated that cross-sensitization with other structurally similar molecules, such as benzoic acid, may occur. Adverse reactions that have been reported include contact dermatitis and bronchospasm caused by hypersensitivity

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the quantity of material handled. Eye protection is recommended. Heavy airborne concentrations of dust may present an explosion hazard.

Ethyl vanillin.