Benzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde used in cosmetics as a denaturant, a flavoring agent, and as a fragrance. Currently used in only seven cosmetic products, its highest reported concentration of use was 0.5% in perfumes. The characteristic benzaldehyde odor of oil of bitter almond occurs because of trace amounts of free benzaldehyde formed by hydrolysis of the glycoside amygdalin. Benzaldehyde is a versatile intermediate because of its reactive aldehyde hydrogen, its carbonyl group, and the benzene ring. Benzaldehyde is formed from phenylpyruvic acid, derived by the aminotransferase activity on phenylalanine, in the presence of high levels of Mn2+, and contributes to the generation of flavor compound during cheese ripening. Benzaldehyde is a synthetic flavoring substance, sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for foods. Benzaldehyde is also recognized as safe for use as a bee repellant in the harvesting of honey.The compound is responsible for the odor of natural bitter almond oil and is incorporated directly in perfumes, soaps, foods, drinks, and other products. Substantial amounts are used in the production of derivatives that are also employed in the perfume and flavor industries.Another application of benzaldehyde is the production of triphenylmethane dyes. … In the pharmaceutical industry benzaldehyde is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of chloramphenicol, ephedrin, ampicillin, diphenylhydantoin, and other products. Benzoic acid and a wide range of derivatives and related benzenic compounds, such as benzaldehyde … , are commonly used as antibacterial and antifungal preservatives and as flavoring agents in food, cosmetic, hygiene, and pharmaceutical products. …Bee repellent /former pesticide/ Chemical intermediate for dyes, flavoring materials, perfumes, and aromatic alcohols; solvent for oils, resins, some cellulose ethers, cellulose acetate and nitrate; flavoring compounds; synthetic perfumes; manufacturing of cinnamic acid, benzoic acid; pharmaceuticals; photographic chemicals.Manufacture of dyes, perfumery, cinnamic and mandelic acids, as solvents; in flavors.
