Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde suppliers and sourcing guide
Benzaldehyde is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and the main odor compound of bitter almond oil, with a cherry and almond character. Synthetic benzaldehyde is made by oxidizing toluene or from benzyl chloride, while natural benzaldehyde is produced from cinnamon oil (cassia) by retro-aldol reaction or from bitter almond, apricot or peach kernels with the prussic acid removed. It is sold as a colorless liquid for cherry, almond and marzipan flavors.
- Also known as
- Benzoic aldehyde · Synthetic bitter almond oil · FEMA 2127 · CAS 100-52-7
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of benzaldehyde
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Synthetic (FCC) grade
Benzaldehyde from petrochemical synthesis made to a food chemical specification; the lowest-cost form.
Natural benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde made from natural sources such as cassia oil, sold for products labeled with natural flavors; origin documentation and isotope testing are common.
Bitter almond oil, FFPA
Bitter almond oil with the prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) removed, labeled free from prussic acid, of which benzaldehyde is the main component.
Stabilized or diluted
Benzaldehyde supplied with an added stabilizer or as a solution in ethanol or propylene glycol to slow oxidation in storage.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay
- Benzaldehyde content by GC, specified as a minimum percentage.
- Benzoic acid or acid value
- Benzoic acid or acid value by titration, which rises as benzaldehyde oxidizes in contact with air.
- Hydrocyanic acid
- Hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) content for natural benzaldehyde and bitter almond oil, to show it has been removed.
- Chlorinated compounds
- Test for chlorinated impurities on grades made from benzyl chloride.
- Physical constants
- Refractive index and specific gravity against the specification.
- Natural origin
- Carbon-14 or stable isotope analysis on natural grades to confirm they are not synthetic.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Benzaldehyde oxidizes to benzoic acid in air, so store it in full, tightly closed containers, often under nitrogen, in a cool place out of light. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and the acid value or benzoic acid content is the usual retest for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the assay and acid value for each lot and note whether it is synthetic or natural, with the supplier's origin statement for natural lots. Use opened containers quickly, since each opening lets in air.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.60 lists benzaldehyde (benzoic aldehyde) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant and gives synthetic bitter almond oil as another name.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 182.20 lists bitter almond, free from prussic acid, among essential oils and natural extractives that are GRAS for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Benzaldehyde suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking benzaldehyde suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell benzaldehyde? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of benzaldehyde can brands buy?
Common forms include synthetic (FCC) grade, natural benzaldehyde, bitter almond oil, FFPA and stabilized or diluted. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for benzaldehyde include?
Expect assay, benzoic acid or acid value, hydrocyanic acid, chlorinated compounds, physical constants and natural origin, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should benzaldehyde be stored?
Benzaldehyde oxidizes to benzoic acid in air, so store it in full, tightly closed containers, often under nitrogen, in a cool place out of light. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and the acid value or benzoic acid content is the usual retest for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of benzaldehyde?
21 CFR 182.60 lists benzaldehyde (benzoic aldehyde) among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists benzaldehyde (CAS 100-52-7) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant and gives synthetic bitter almond oil as another name. 21 CFR 182.20 lists bitter almond, free from prussic acid, among essential oils and natural extractives that are GRAS for their intended use.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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