Vanillyl Alcohol CAS 498-00-0

Introduction to Vanillyl Alcohol

Vanillyl Alcohol is an organic compound featuring a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, and a hydroxymethyl group. The material presents as a white to off-white crystalline powder at room temperature. The compound exhibits slight solubility in cold water but dissolves readily in hot water, ethanol, and diethyl ether.

Industrial processing facilities utilize this aromatic alcohol as a foundational building block. The phenolic structure provides inherent antioxidant properties, while the primary alcohol group allows for further chemical derivatization. The material maintains chemical stability under standard storage conditions when protected from light and moisture.

Key Features of Vanillyl Alcohol

• Phenolic structure: The presence of the phenol group contributes to radical scavenging capabilities, enhancing the oxidative stability of final formulations.
• Thermal stability: The compound maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for processes requiring moderate heat exposure.
• Versatile solubility: Solubility in both aqueous (hot) and organic solvents facilitates integration into diverse cosmetic and flavor matrices.

Vanillyl Alcohol Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Vanillyl Alcohol

Food and beverage flavorings: Utilized to impart a mild, sweet vanilla note in various consumables. The compound is often blended with other flavor modifiers like Citric Acid to balance flavor profiles and enhance the overall sensory experience in beverages and baked goods.

Cosmetic and personal care: Incorporated into skincare formulations as a skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant. The phenolic structure helps neutralize free radicals, while the molecule is frequently combined with humectants like Sorbitol to improve skin hydration and product stability.

Pharmaceutical intermediates: Serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The hydroxymethyl group undergoes oxidation or substitution reactions to build complex molecular frameworks for medicinal compounds.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Vanillyl Alcohol

• Moisture and light control: Store in tightly sealed, opaque fiber drums in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Exposure to moisture causes clumping, while prolonged light exposure may lead to gradual discoloration of the crystalline powder.
• Handling and PPE: The powder may cause mild eye and skin irritation. Wear safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and a dust mask during weighing and transfer operations to prevent inhalation of fine particulates.
• Field note: When dissolving the powder for liquid formulations, use warm water or ethanol to accelerate dissolution. Adding the powder directly to cold water may result in slow dissolution and temporary suspension.

Vanillyl Alcohol FAQ

Q: What are the main applications of Vanillyl Alcohol?

A: Vanillyl Alcohol is primarily used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, providing a mild vanilla note. It also serves as a key intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis and as an antioxidant or skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.

Q: How soluble is Vanillyl Alcohol in different solvents?

A: Vanillyl Alcohol is slightly soluble in cold water but readily dissolves in hot water, ethanol, and diethyl ether. This solubility profile makes the compound highly versatile for formulating both aqueous and alcohol-based cosmetic and flavor systems.

Q: What are the storage requirements for Vanillyl Alcohol?

A: Store Vanillyl Alcohol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect the product from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent clumping or degradation, ensuring long-term stability and purity of the crystalline powder.