Anisaldehyde

Natural Anisaldehyde (Natural Anisic Aldehyde)

Natural p-Anisaldehyde (4-methoxybenzaldehyde) is a natural aromatic aldehyde obtained by selective oxidation and refining from star anise oil or natural anethole. It is a key secondary aroma component of star anise essential oil, featuring an intense, long-lasting hawthorn-floral and vanilla-sweet fragrance.

1. Basic Information

  • Chemical Name: 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde (p-Anisaldehyde)
  • CAS Number: 123-11-5
  • Molecular Formula: C₈H₈O₂
  • Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
  • Aroma: Rich sweet hawthorn, anise and vanilla notes with powdery-spicy undertone; strong diffusion and excellent tenacity
  • Purity: ≥98% (GC) natural grade
  • Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform and oils; slightly soluble in water

2. Source & Production Process

  • Natural Source: Chinese star anise oil / anethole (Guangxi, China); naturally present in star anise, fennel, vanilla, etc.
  • Process:Natural anethole → Selective oxidation → Crude anisaldehyde → Vacuum rectification → High-purity natural p-anisaldehyde
  • Features: 100% botanical origin, pure and mild aroma, no synthetic impurities, high safety profile

3. Main Applications

1)Food Flavoring (Primary Use)

  • Flavor formulations: Vanilla, anise, caramel, cherry, chocolate, almond, cream profiles (main or modifier)
  • Confectionery & bakery: Hard candy, chewing gum, chocolate, biscuits, pastries (enhance sweet/vanilla notes)
  • Beverages & liqueurs: Liqueurs, soft drinks, fruit wines (flavor enhancement, sweetness, roundness)
  • Meat & sauces: Deodorization and flavoring, adding natural sweet-spicy depth

2)Fragrance & Personal Care

  • Floral fragrances: Hawthorn, lilac, lily of the valley, osmanthus, acacia, magnolia (main or modifier)
  • Fine perfumes: Oriental, aldehydic, powdery and woody accords (boost warm sweetness, powderiness and diffusion)
  • Oral care: Toothpaste, mouthwash (freshen breath, add vanilla sweetness)
  • Soaps & body care: Soaps, detergents, body washes (classic anise-sweet fragrance)

3)Pharmaceuticals & Intermediates

  • Flavor correction: Mask bitter taste of pharmaceuticals, improve compliance
  • Pharmaceutical synthesis: Intermediate for amoxicillin, antihistamines, antimicrobial agents
  • Topical preparations: Medicated oils, creams (antibacterial, soothing, perfuming)

4)Fine Chemicals & Agriculture

  • Fragrance intermediates: Synthesis of anisyl alcohol, anisic acid, coumarin and other high-value aromatics
  • Electroplating: Excellent brightener for cyanide-free zinc plating
  • Natural insect repellent: Trace use in mosquito and storage pest control formulations

4. Key Advantages

  • Natural & Safe: FEMA 2670, FDA GRAS, GB2760 approved food flavor
  • Unique AromaHawthorn + vanilla + anise complex sweet note, hard to replicate synthetically
  • Cost-Effective: Low dosage, strong aroma, long-lasting; wide coverage in food/fragrance/pharma
  • Chinese Resource Advantage: Based on Guangxi star anise industry; global leading producer of premium natural p-anisaldehyde