In short
Benzaldehyde is the main constituent of bitter almond oil. It gives a powerful almond and cherry note.
What Benzaldehyde smells like
Benzaldehyde is the molecule behind the bitter-almond scent shared by marzipan, amaretto, cherry pits and almond extract. It is the main constituent of bitter almond oil, and today it is mostly made synthetically. Glossaries note that a convincing cherry accord needs more than benzaldehyde alone, and that its marzipan is closer to an amaretti biscuit than to roasted nuts. It is powerful and oxidises to benzoic acid in air.
- Leading note
- Bitter almond
- Clear facets
- Cherry pit
- Supporting facets
- Marzipan
- Character
- Sweet, sharp, powerful
What makes Benzaldehyde distinctive
The pure bitter-almond note: sharper and simpler than the oil, the backbone of every cherry and marzipan accord.
How Benzaldehyde is used
Used in gourmand, cherry, almond and marzipan accords and in heliotrope and mimosa compositions, and widely in flavours.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How Benzaldehyde differs from similar materials
- Bitter Almond Oil (FFPA)
- Bitter almond oil is largely benzaldehyde; the natural oil, once its prussic acid is removed, is a rounder marzipan with cherry. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Heliotropin
- Heliotropin is powdery heliotrope with a soft almond; benzaldehyde is the sharp, direct bitter almond.
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol slowly oxidises to benzaldehyde; fresh, it is a mild, sweet floral, not almond. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Benzaldehyde Diethyl Acetal
- ChemicalBook notes that the diethyl acetal is more stable to alkali but lacks the power and character of the free aldehyde; it is the milder, greener bitter almond. (compared directly by a cited source)
An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Oxidises readily to benzoic acid, which can crystallise in old stock. Covered by an IFRA Standard.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Gourmand / Fruity
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- CAS number
- 100-52-7
- Molecular formula
- C7H6O
- Molecular weight
- 106.12 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- benzaldehyde
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 240, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 19 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering Benzaldehyde:
- "Benzaldehyde" — Restriction, 49th Amendment, published 2020-01
Limits differ by product category and are set out in the Standard itself; this page does not reproduce them. The list above reflects the library as read on 19 October 2026.
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. It has a harmonised EU classification (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Annex VI): H302 harmful if swallowed. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (3,000 reports): H302 harmful if swallowed (100% of reports); H332 harmful if inhaled (23.4% of reports); H319 causes serious eye irritation (22.1% of reports); H336 may cause drowsiness or dizziness (14.9% of reports). Unless it is harmonised, this is the notifiers' own classification, not a binding one.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Heliotropin
Aroma chemical · Powdery / Gourmand — powdery, almond, vanilla, floral
-
Vanillin
Aroma chemical · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, creamy
-
Coumarin
Aroma chemical · Powdery / Fougère — hay, sweet, almond, tobacco
-
Bitter Almond Oil (FFPA)
Essential oil · Gourmand / Fruity — almond, cherry, sweet, marzipan
Benzaldehyde is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Anisylacetone, Benzaldehyde Diethyl Acetal, Benzaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal, Cerezoate and Ethyl Benzoate.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 33 published formulas
Benzaldehyde is an ingredient in 3 perfume formulas, 28 accords and 2 bases in the Formula & Accord Library.
Community formulas
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Benzaldehyde
Is Benzaldehyde natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial Benzaldehyde may be made by synthesis or obtained from natural sources, so check the supplier's specification if the distinction matters to you.
What is the CAS number of Benzaldehyde?
100-52-7. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Benzaldehyde?
Benzaldehyde is used in 33 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Açaí Accord, Aperol Spritz Accord and Blackberry Accord. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Is Benzaldehyde covered by an IFRA Standard?
Yes. The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering it: "Benzaldehyde" — Restriction, 49th Amendment. The limits depend on the product category; read the Standard itself before formulating.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 240, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- IFRA — Standards Library, read 19 October 2026.
- Premiere Peau — Benzaldehyde — published perfumery reference.
- Premiere Peau — Marzipan — published perfumery reference.
- Scentspiracy — Benzoic aldehyde — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: several independent published descriptions, which agree. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.