FlavScents AInsights Entry for Benzaldehyde (CAS: 100-52-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: Benzaldehyde
• CAS Number: 100-52-7
• FEMA Number: 2127
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.001
• Molecular Formula: C7H6O
• Molecular Weight: 106.12 g/mol

Benzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde characterized by a benzene ring attached to a formyl group. Its structure is crucial for its almond-like odor, which is a key feature in both flavor and fragrance applications. The aldehyde functional group contributes to its reactivity and sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzaldehyde is renowned for its distinctive almond-like odor, often described as sweet, nutty, and slightly fruity. It is a high-impact aroma compound with a strong intensity and moderate diffusion. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor systems, it serves as an impact note, providing a characteristic almond or cherry flavor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzaldehyde naturally occurs in almonds, apricots, cherries, and other stone fruits. It is typically formed through the enzymatic hydrolysis of amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside found in these fruits. This compound is often used to impart a "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in various natural sources.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Benzaldehyde is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in nut, fruit, and confectionery flavors. It acts as a primary flavoring agent in almond and cherry flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. It is stable under normal processing conditions but can oxidize over time, affecting flavor quality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, benzaldehyde is utilized across various fragrance families, including floral, gourmand, and oriental. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the sweet and nutty aspects of a fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired effect. Benzaldehyde is volatile, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.001.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals exist in most regions, though some variability in usage limits may occur.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, benzaldehyde has a high margin of safety when used within recommended limits. The ADI is not specifically established, but typical use levels are considered safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and it is included in IFRA standards for restricted use. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzaldehyde is valued for its potent almond-like aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other nutty and fruity notes, enhancing complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its strong impact, as overuse can lead to an artificial or overpowering profile. It is often underutilized in complex blends where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on benzaldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented nuances exist in formulation techniques. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major regulatory bodies.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-07-13 19:02:23 GMT (p2)