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Vanillin

Also known as 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, Vanillic aldehyde, Vanillaldehyde

CAS 121-33-5Formula C8H8O3Molar mass 152.15 g/molEC 204-465-2
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 289 suppliers listed
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Vanillin chemical structure, C8H8O3, CAS 121-33-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White crystalline needles from water
Melting point
81 to 83
Boiling point
285 °C
Density
1.06 g/cm³
Flash point
153 °C
HS code
291241
Category
Flavor ingredients
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals beside a jumbo bulk bag in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Vanillin?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Vanillin is a member of the class of benzaldehydes carrying methoxy and hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 4 respectively. It has a role as an antioxidant, a flavouring agent, an anticonvulsant, an anti-inflammatory agent and a plant metabolite. It is a member of benzaldehydes, a monomethoxybenzene and a member of phenols.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
CAS number
121-33-5 CAS number cross-checked
EC numbers
204-465-2, 937-251-9
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
UNII
CHI530446X
MDL number
MFCD00006942
INCI name
VANILLIN
InChIKey
MWOOGOJBHIARFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H8O3/c1-11-8-4-6(5-9)2-3-7(8)10/h2-5,10H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=O)O

Synonyms

  • 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
  • Vanillic aldehyde
  • Vanillaldehyde
  • p-Vanillin
  • Vanilline
  • Lioxin
  • 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde
  • 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
  • Benzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-
  • 4-Hydroxy-m-anisaldehyde
  • 2-Methoxy-4-formylphenol
  • Zimco
  • p-Hydroxy-m-methoxybenzaldehyde
  • 4-Formyl-2-methoxyphenol
  • Methylprotocatechuic aldehyde
  • 4-Hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde
  • m-Anisaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-
  • Protocatechualdehyde, methyl-
  • Rhovanil
  • vaniline
  • Protocatechualdehyde 3-methyl ether
  • Oleoresin vanilla
  • m-Methoxy-p-hydroxybenzaldehyde
  • Vanillin Melting Point Standard
  • 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzyldehyde
Show all 36 synonyms
  • NPLC-0145
  • Vanillin,
  • Vanilla
  • Vanilin
  • Vanillin (natural)
  • Vanillin (NF)
  • Vanillin (Standard)
  • Vanillin-13C
  • 4-Hydroxy,3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
  • 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin)
  • Vanilla oleoresin

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White crystalline needles from waterexp.
Odour
Sweetish smellexp.
Taste
Pleasant vanilla tasteexp.
Melting point
81 to 83exp.
Boiling point
285 °Cexp.
Density
1.06 g/cm³exp.
Flash point
153 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
>400exp.
Solubility
In water, 1.102 × 10⁺⁴ mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1.18 × 10⁻⁴ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
152.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
152.0473 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.21calc.
Topological polar surface area
46.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
11calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.13calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (11)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Vanillin suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 289 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

289 suppliers in 38 countries

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Vanillin price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). As a flavoring agent in confectionery, beverages, foods and animal feeds. Fragrance and flavor in cosmetics. Reagent for synthesis.

Source of L-dopa.

The single largest use for vanillin is as a starting material for the manufacture of an antihypertensive drug having the chemical name of methyldopa or L-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine.

Industrial uses: Flavoring and nutrient, Fragrance.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name VANILLIN(fragrance)

Pharmacological actions

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antimutagenic Agents
  • Antioxidants

Roles

  • additive
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • anticonvulsant
  • antioxidant
  • central nervous system depressant
  • central nervous system drug
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • flavouring agent
  • food additive
  • food component
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • physiological role
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Dye
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance

Pharmacology

Vanilla is a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract. The physiologic effect of vanilla is by means of Increased Histamine Release and Cell-mediated Immunity.

How it is made

The starting material for vanillin production is the lignin present in sulfite wastes from the cellulose industry. The concentrated mother liquors are treated with alkali at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of oxidants. The vanillin formed is separated from the byproducts, particularly acetovanillone (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone), by extraction, distillation, and crystallization.

Several methods can be used to introduce an aldehyde group into an aromatic ring.

Read more

Condensation of guaiacol with glyoxylic acid followed by oxidation of the resulting mandelic acid to the corresponding phenylglyoxylic acid and, finally, decarboxylation continues to be a competitive industrial process for vanillin synthesis.

In this route, still used in Asia, guaiacol is manufactured from ortho-chloronitrobenzene. Nitroanisole and anisidine are the main intermediate products. Vanillin is then produced by condensation of guaiacol with a dimethyl aniline, nitroso derivative, and urotropine. The reaction gives also para-amino dimethyl aniline 10 as side product. Purification of vanillin needs several steps of distillation and recrystallization.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: Vanillin, Ref no: 346, Annex ref: III/346

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Vanillin is traded under.

HS 2912.41Exact HS code

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)

World exports in 2024
$383M
+10.9% vs 2023, imports $383M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China55.8%
  2. Norway * partner reported10.3%
  3. France * partner reported6.4%
Top importers
  1. United States28.8%
  2. Germany13.5%
  3. France * partner reported6.2%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Vanillin is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Vanillin, based on the data on this page

What is Vanillin?

Vanillin is a member of the class of benzaldehydes carrying methoxy and hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 4 respectively. It has a role as an antioxidant, a flavouring agent, an anticonvulsant, an anti-inflammatory agent and a plant metabolite.

What is the CAS number of Vanillin?

The CAS registry number of Vanillin is 121-33-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Vanillin?

The molecular formula of Vanillin is C8H8O3 and its molar mass is 152.15 g/mol.

What is Vanillin used for?

Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). As a flavoring agent in confectionery, beverages, foods and animal feeds. Fragrance and flavor in cosmetics. Reagent for synthesis. Source of L-dopa.

Is Vanillin hazardous?

Vanillin carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Vanillin?

Vanillin is usually classified under HS code 291241 (Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Vanillin?

CompoundList lists 289 suppliers of Vanillin in China, United States, India, Canada and 34 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Vanillin in India?

28 suppliers in India list Vanillin on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Vanillin?

Suppliers quote Vanillin on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Vanillin

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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