4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (also known as p-hydroxybenzaldehyde) is an important aromatic aldehyde widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, dyes, polymers, and specialty chemicals. Due to its reactive aldehyde and hydroxyl functional groups, it serves as a versatile building block for numerous organic synthesis processes.

Manufacturers and research laboratories value 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde for its high purity, excellent chemical stability under appropriate storage conditions, and broad compatibility with various synthetic pathways. It is commonly utilized in research and industrial production where precision, consistency, and product quality are essential.

Chemical Information

Chemical Name: 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

Other Names:

• p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde
• Para-Hydroxybenzaldehyde
• PHBA

Molecular Formula: C₇H₆O₂

Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol

Chemical Classification:

• Aromatic aldehyde
• Phenolic compound
• Organic intermediate

Functions of 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde performs several essential functions across chemical manufacturing and research applications.

1. Organic Synthesis Intermediate

Its primary function is serving as an intermediate in the production of complex organic molecules.

It enables synthesis of:

• Pharmaceutical compounds
• Fine chemicals
• Specialty intermediates
• Performance materials

2. Pharmaceutical Building Block

It is widely used during the synthesis of:

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) intermediates
• Antimicrobial compounds
• Anti-inflammatory molecules
• Cardiovascular drug intermediates
• Antioxidant compounds

Its reactive aldehyde group allows formation of numerous biologically active derivatives.

3. Agrochemical Intermediate

The compound serves as an important precursor for manufacturing:

• Herbicides
• Fungicides
• Plant growth regulators
• Crop protection chemicals

4. Fragrance and Flavor Intermediate

Several aromatic compounds are synthesized using 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde as a precursor, making it valuable in fragrance chemistry and specialty flavor ingredient production where permitted by applicable regulations.

5. Polymer and Resin Production

The molecule contributes to synthesis of:

• Specialty polymers
• Phenolic resins
• Functional monomers
• High-performance materials

6. Laboratory Research Reagent

Research laboratories use it extensively in:

• Organic synthesis
• Catalysis studies
• Material science
• Medicinal chemistry
• Academic research

Major Uses

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Used in producing numerous pharmaceutical intermediates that require aromatic aldehyde chemistry.

Applications include:

• API development
• Drug discovery
• Custom synthesis
• Contract manufacturing

Chemical Manufacturing

Used for producing:

• Fine chemicals
• Custom intermediates
• Specialty organic compounds
• High-value chemical products

Dye Industry

Acts as an intermediate in manufacturing:

• Organic dyes
• Pigments
• Textile chemicals
• Colorants

Fragrance Industry

Used in the preparation of aromatic intermediates for fragrance formulations and specialty aroma chemicals.

Agrochemical Industry

Supports synthesis of:

• Crop protection products
• Agricultural chemicals
• Pesticide intermediates
• Herbicide ingredients

Academic and Industrial Research

Frequently used in:

• University laboratories
• Chemical research institutes
• Industrial R&D centers
• Process optimization studies

Key Features

High Chemical Purity

Commercial grades are often available at high purity levels suitable for research and industrial synthesis.

Excellent Reactivity

Contains two highly useful functional groups:

• Hydroxyl group
• Aldehyde group

These provide numerous opportunities for chemical modification.

Versatile Intermediate

Compatible with many reactions including:

• Condensation
• Oxidation
• Reduction
• Esterification
• Etherification
• Schiff base formation

Stable Under Proper Storage

When stored in tightly sealed containers away from excessive heat, moisture, and incompatible materials, the compound generally exhibits good storage stability.

Suitable for Multiple Industries

Its versatility allows use across pharmaceutical, chemical, polymer, agricultural, and research sectors.

Typical Specifications

Actual specifications vary by manufacturer and product grade. Typical commercial specifications may include:

Advantages

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde offers several important advantages:

• High synthetic versatility
• Reliable reaction performance
• Suitable for scale-up manufacturing
• Broad industrial applicability
• High purity availability
• Excellent intermediate for complex molecule synthesis
• Compatible with numerous chemical transformations
• Available in laboratory and industrial quantities

Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps preserve product quality.

Recommended practices include:

• Store in a cool, dry location.
• Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
• Protect from moisture.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Store away from incompatible oxidizing agents.
• Follow the safety recommendations provided in the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Handling Instructions

When handling 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including suitable gloves, eye protection, and a laboratory coat.
• Ensure adequate ventilation, especially when handling powders or large quantities.
• Avoid inhalation of dust and minimize skin and eye contact.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Dispose of waste in accordance with local environmental and chemical regulations.

Packaging Options

Manufacturers commonly offer packaging such as:

• 25 g laboratory bottles
• 100 g bottles
• 500 g bottles
• 1 kg containers
• 5 kg containers
• 25 kg fiber drums
• Custom bulk packaging for industrial users

Packaging availability depends on the supplier.

Applicable Industries

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde is widely used in the following industries:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Fine chemical production
• Specialty chemical manufacturing
• Agrochemical production
• Fragrance and aroma chemical manufacturing
• Dye and pigment manufacturing
• Polymer and resin production
• Biotechnology research
• Chemical research laboratories
• Contract research organizations (CROs)
• Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs)
• Universities and academic institutions
• Materials science research

Target Customers

Typical customers include:

Pharmaceutical Companies

Organizations producing APIs, intermediates, and specialty pharmaceutical compounds.

Fine Chemical Manufacturers

Companies developing custom synthesis products and specialty chemicals.

Agrochemical Manufacturers

Businesses producing crop protection products and agricultural intermediates.

Research Laboratories

Industrial and government laboratories engaged in synthetic chemistry and materials research.

Universities

Academic institutions conducting teaching and research in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical engineering.

Biotechnology Companies

Organizations involved in molecular research, analytical chemistry, and chemical innovation.

Contract Manufacturing Organizations

Companies providing custom chemical manufacturing and process development services.

Chemical Distributors

Suppliers serving laboratory, research, and industrial customers with specialty chemical products.

Quality Considerations

When sourcing 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, buyers typically evaluate:

• Product purity
• Batch-to-batch consistency
• Analytical documentation (e.g., Certificate of Analysis)
• Reliable packaging
• Regulatory documentation, where applicable
• Stable supply chain
• Technical support
• Appropriate storage and transportation conditions

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde is a versatile aromatic aldehyde that serves as a valuable intermediate in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, fine chemical, fragrance, polymer, and research applications. Its combination of hydroxyl and aldehyde functional groups enables a wide variety of chemical transformations, making it an indispensable building block for both laboratory-scale research and industrial manufacturing. With high-purity grades, flexible packaging options, and compatibility with diverse synthetic pathways, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde continues to play an important role in modern chemical innovation and production. Users should always handle and store the material according to applicable safety guidance and supplier documentation to ensure safe and effective use.