Compounds

Vanillin

Present naturally at roughly 1–3 % in benzoin, which is why the resin reads as vanilla-like without any relation to the vanilla orchid. Perfumery vanillin is synthetic (from guaiacol or lignin); benzoin is one of the few resins that supplies it naturally.

· Atlas · Compounds

Vanillin
Rolearoma aldehyde
FormulaC8H8O3
Molecular weight152.15 g/mol
IUPAC name4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
XLogP1.2
PubChem CID1183
SafetyRare sensitizer.

Scent facets

  • Sweet, creamy vanilla; the most recognisable aroma molecule in the world.

Found in

Also called

  • vanillin
  • 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
  • 121-33-5
  • Vanillic aldehyde
  • Vanillaldehyde
  • p-Vanillin

Data: PubChem, GBIF (retrieved 2026-09-09); descriptions by Benjuí.