In short
Veratraldehyde is 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, the methyl ether of vanillin, with an odour of vanilla beans. It is used as a vanillic modifier and as a heliotropin substitute.
What Veratraldehyde smells like
The US National Toxicology Program record, as published by PubChem, describes veratraldehyde as needles or a peach-coloured powder with an odour of vanilla beans; JECFA records it as a white crystalline solid. PubChem links it to several natural-product databases. Perfumers on Basenotes report using it as a direct replacement for heliotropin. Fraterworks describes straw-coloured crystalline flakes with a sweet, balsamic, vanilla-like aroma, warm creamy facets and subtle spicy undertones, a good alternative to vanillin that shares its discolouration in soap.
- Leading note
- Vanilla bean
- Character
- Soft
What makes Veratraldehyde distinctive
Vanillin's methyl ether: vanillic but softer and less sweet, which is why it stands in for heliotropin.
How Veratraldehyde is used
Fraterworks uses it for vanilla and heliotrope effects and to give oriental compositions a refined balsamic quality.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How Veratraldehyde differs from similar materials
- Anisaldehyde
- Anisaldehyde is sweet, floral-aniseed hawthorn; veratraldehyde is vanilla-bean-like and is used as a heliotropin substitute.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
A crystalline solid; dissolve before use.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Gourmand / Powdery
- Note position
- Heart to base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Solid
- Also known as
- 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde, Methyl vanillin
- CAS number
- 120-14-9
- Molecular formula
- C9H10O3
- Molecular weight
- 166.17 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 8419, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 24 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (1,759 reports): H302 harmful if swallowed (100% 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
-
Vanillin
Aroma chemical · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, creamy
-
Heliotropin
Aroma chemical · Powdery / Gourmand — powdery, almond, vanilla, floral
-
Anisaldehyde
Aroma chemical · Powdery / Floral — anisic, hawthorn, floral, sweet
Veratraldehyde is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Heliotropex N.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 6 published formulas
Veratraldehyde is an ingredient in 3 perfume formulas and 3 accords in the Formula & Accord Library.
Community formulas
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Veratraldehyde
Is Veratraldehyde natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial Veratraldehyde 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 Veratraldehyde?
120-14-9. It was checked against PubChem on 24 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Veratraldehyde?
Veratraldehyde is used in 6 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Ginger Biscuit Tin, Hyacinth Accord and Marshmallow Accord. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 8419, checked 24 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- PubChem — Veratraldehyde (CID 8419): NTP and JECFA descriptions — odour database.
- Basenotes — Heliotropin replacer — published perfumery reference.
- Fraterworks — Veratraldehyde — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.