4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-hydroxybenzaldehyde; CAS 123-08-0) is a small aromatic aldehyde (C₇H₆O₂) — a white to pale-yellow crystalline powder used widely as an intermediate in flavors, fragrances, fine chemicals and pharmaceutical synthesis. It is most commonly used as a building block (for example, in synthesis of vanillin), a reference standard in organic synthesis, and as a reagent in research and production.

Product functions & common uses

• Synthetic intermediate: used to make derivatives (ethers, esters, Schiff bases) and as a key starting material in multi-step syntheses. Commonly converted into vanillin and other aromatic flavour/fragrance compounds.

• Flavors & fragrances: precursor or intermediate in manufacture of aroma chemicals and perfumery ingredients.

• Pharmaceutical & agrochemical R&D: building block for design and synthesis of active molecules, intermediates and API analogs.

• Analytical & academic reagent: used as a reagent, reference material and teaching example (e.g., in undergraduate synthesis of vanillin).

Product features & advantages

• High purity grades available (typical commercial offerings ≥98% by GC/HPLC) suitable for research and synthesis.

• Crystalline, stable solid with good handling (low volatility at ambient), convenient to weigh and store compared with liquid reagents.

• Good solubility in organic solvents (alcohols, ethers, acetone, ethyl acetate); only sparingly soluble in water — convenient for common organic reaction media.

• Well-documented safety & regulatory profile — widely supplied with SDS/COA/REACH info from major chemical vendors.

Typical product specifications (example commercial grade)

(Specifications vary by supplier and grade — always consult the product COA/SDS from the supplier for lot-specific data.)

Instructions for use (handling, typical practices)

Note: the specifics of reaction stoichiometry and procedure depend on your target synthesis. Below are general handling and lab/practice instructions — not step-by-step syntheses.

Receiving & storage

Receive in sealed container; verify COA and lot purity before use. Store in original container at recommended temperature (many suppliers: 2–30 °C), keep tightly closed and protected from moisture and strong oxidizing agents.

Handling & PPE

Use in a well-ventilated fume hood. Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin/eyes. Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat; if dust generation is possible, use a dust respirator per local protocols. Consult SDS for full PPE guidance.

Weighing & dissolution

Because it is a crystalline solid, weigh on a tared balance in a dry environment. For reactions/solutions, dissolve in appropriate organic solvent (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone) — warm gently if solubility is limiting. Avoid water unless required by the reaction because solubility is limited.

Typical laboratory use cases (examples)

• As a substrate for electrophilic or nucleophilic transformations: stoichiometry and catalysts depend on the target; follow published literature procedures for exact reagent ratios and conditions (example: conversion to vanillin via methylation/oxidation steps).

• As a reagent in condensations (e.g., Schiff base formation): used equimolar with amine under dehydrating conditions; remove water to drive equilibrium. (Follow specific literature protocols.)

Waste & disposal

Collect solid or solvent wastes in suitable labeled containers. Dispose of according to local regulations and institutional hazardous waste procedures. Do not pour concentrated solvent solutions down drains. Consult SDS for environmental precautions.

Safety & regulatory highlights

• Classified as an irritant; may cause skin and eye irritation; harmful if swallowed. Handle with standard chemical hygiene practices and consult the product SDS before use.

• Acute toxicity: reported oral LD₅₀ (rat) values are available in supplier data sheets (e.g., Sigma reports LD₅₀ ≈2250 mg/kg as a reference) — treat with appropriate precautions.

• Many suppliers provide REACH registration information, COA and SDS — check supplier documentation for regulatory compliance and transport classification.

Applicable industries & typical target customers

• Flavors & fragrances manufacturers: for synthesis of aroma chemicals (e.g., vanillin and related derivatives).

• Pharmaceutical chemical manufacturers & CROs: as a synthetic building block and intermediate.

• Fine chemicals & specialty chemicals producers: companies that produce value-added aromatic derivatives.

• Academic & research laboratories: for teaching, research, and method development (organic synthesis labs, analytical labs).

• Chemical suppliers / distributors: wholesalers who blend, repackage, or sell reagent-grade material to end users.

Typical purchasing grades & what they mean

• Analytical/Reagent grade (≥98%): for research, stereoselective syntheses, analytical standards.

• Technical grade: may be used in industrial processes where ultra-high purity is not required (specs vary by supplier).

• Custom packaging / bulk: available from many chemical suppliers for production scale (quantities, packaging, and documentation vary).

Vanillin precursor

A common industrial pathway converts 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde,123-08-0 to derivatives (e.g., via methylation or formyl manipulation) to produce vanillin or vanillin analogs. Because vanillin is a high-volume flavoring material, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde is an important upstream intermediate for synthetic vanillin manufacture (literature and educational protocols demonstrate simple lab conversions). For any scale-up, perform hazard and process safety studies and follow GMP/food-grade regulatory routes if the product enters food or cosmetic supply chains.

Choosing the right supplier & what to request

When sourcing, request:

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing assay/impurities and melting point.

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and any regulatory documents (REACH, transport classification).

• Batch-specific info if your application requires trace metals, water content, or is for food/cosmetic contact (special grades may be required).