Етилванілін

Chemistry

Ethylvanillin is the organic compound 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, with the molecular formula C₉H₁₀O₃. The molecule is a benzene ring that carries a hydroxyl group at position 4, an ethoxy group at position 3 and a formyl group at position 1. Ethylvanillin is vanillin in which the methoxy group is replaced by an ethoxy group. It is a homologue of vanillin, differing at the 3 position. Ethylvanillin belongs to the class of benzaldehydes and is also a phenol and an aromatic ether.

Properties

Ethylvanillin appears as colorless crystals. The crystals can be slightly yellowish and occur as flakes or fine needles. Ethylvanillin is slightly soluble in water and soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene and chloroform. Its solubility in water is 2,822 mg/L at 25 °C, and in 95% alcohol it is about 1 g in 2 mL. The material dissolves freely in solutions of alkali hydroxides and is soluble in glycerol and propylene glycol. It is affected by light. In contact with iron or alkali, it shows a red colour and loses its flavouring power. Because less material is needed to produce an equivalent vanilla flavour, it may cause less discoloration to a formulation. An acceptable daily intake of up to 3 mg/kg body weight has been allocated.

Occurrence and comparison with vanillin

Vanillin and ethylvanillin are both used by the food industry; ethylvanillin is more expensive but has a stronger note.

Production

Reported production volume was 10,000,000 to under 25,000,000 pounds in each year from 2020 to 2023. For 2012, the reported national production volume was 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 pounds per year.

Safety

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