Benzaldehyde propylene glycolacetal appears as a specialized chemical material, combining the aromatic backbone of benzaldehyde with the stabilization and solubility of propylene glycolacetal. Its structure contains a benzene ring attached to an aldehyde group in combination with a cyclic acetal formed from propylene glycol. This molecular arrangement brings together the scent and reactivity of benzaldehyde, providing new applications and stability. With a formula often listed as C11H14O3, the molecular weight lands around 194.2 g/mol. In practical terms, the acetal bridge protects the aldehyde moiety, reducing its reactivity and volatility, and enabling safer handling and broader storage temperature ranges.
Physical properties set this acetal apart from raw benzaldehyde. The pure compound commonly occurs as a colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid, depending on temperature. When solid, it may present as crystalline shards or flakes, showing off a melting point that typically lies between 34°C and 40°C. In flake or powder form, handling remains easy, with low dust production. As a liquid, it demonstrates a low viscosity, similar to light syrup, so pouring and mixing in solution manufacturing does not pose major challenges. The density averages around 1.07 g/cm3 at 20°C, falling in line with many organic intermediates, an important point for bulk storage or dosage calculations.
Odor stands as a key characteristic: Benzaldehyde propylene glycolacetal often yields a faint almond or marzipan scent. This feature proves valuable for olfactory product design but calls for careful workplace control to avoid unintended exposure.
A close look at the molecule shows a benzyl backbone joined by an acetal oxygen bridge to propylene glycol’s diol framework. The acetalification shields the reactive aldehyde, halting many of the side reactions typical for benzaldehyde itself. This confers higher storage stability and shelf life, crucial for many applications in synthesis, perfumery, and specialty raw material supply. Three oxygen atoms in the structure help provide solubility in organic solvents, though water solubility stays limited, so product users tend to rely on alcohols, ethers, and glycols for blending into active mixtures.
Commercially, this acetal emerges in several forms — dense liquid, hard powder, small pearls, and even finely divided crystalline solid, depending on order requirements and downstream processing needs. Density sits just over 1.0 g/cm3, which matches well for mixing with many other aromatics, glycols, or esters. Bulk packaging varies, often found in HDPE drums or glass containers for lab-scale work. End users see the greatest benefit from the material’s stable shelf life and controlled release properties, which are key for flavor, fragrance, or specialty plastics production.
The HS Code for customs and tariff regulations often places this intermediate under 291249 (Other aromatic aldehydes), or as directed for acetals of aromatic aldehydes, reflecting its both aromatic and acetal functionality.
Even with improved stability over benzaldehyde, propylene glycolacetal requires careful handling. The hazard class often registers as harmful if inhaled or ingested, so workplace exposure limits remain important. Health risks focus on irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Direct inhalation or prolonged contact may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While not as reactive as benzaldehyde itself, the chemical should always be treated as hazardous, emphasizing splash protection, chemical gloves, and proper local exhaust ventilation. SDS documents warn against direct discharge to waterstreams, so spill control and safe disposal become key operational points.
Fire safety deserves mention. Organic acetals like this one usually burn with ease and can produce toxic smoke if involved in a fire, so storage away from ignition sources and routine inspection of container seals make up best practices in both warehouses and smaller labs. Always store in a cool, dry space, segregated from strong oxidizers and open heat sources.
Benzaldehyde propylene glycolacetal serves as a raw material across multiple fields. In perfumery, it broadens the aromatic range available, enabling faint almond or cherry tones with far better stability than free benzaldehyde. Fine chemical producers value its acetal structure, since it can be deprotected under controlled acid conditions during multi-stage syntheses, giving precise reactivity only when needed. Polymer and resin researchers use the material to modulate surface properties, sometimes to adjust gloss, flexibility, or olfactory profile of specialty plastics, coatings, or elastomers. Its semi-volatile nature gives controlled release of active compounds — a useful function in air care, scented household goods, and slow-release agricultural agents.
For raw material buyers, this chemical strikes a balance between affordability and performance. Compared to straight benzaldehyde, the upgraded molecular scaffold stands up to long shipping times, fluctuations in temperature, and greater mechanical agitation, with less loss from evaporation or decomposition. In my own experience sourcing fragrance chemicals, benzaldehyde propylene glycolacetal got picked for long-haul international orders where resilience counted most. This proved especially important for businesses working without advanced cold-chain logistics or those in hot, humid climates.
A concern surrounding benzaldehyde propylene glycolacetal lies in its classification among aldehyde derivatives and acetals, which triggers regulatory monitoring on environmental impact and workplace exposure. To mitigate these concerns, process engineers have pushed for closed-system handling and robust fume management — tactics that consistently reduce airborne levels below regulatory thresholds. For those in smaller labs or artisanal production, investing in dual filtration masks and splash-proof gloves cuts down on the health impacts, especially during batch decanting or blending operations.
Users also need to plan for chemical waste. Since spent material poses harm to aquatic life and can break down into hazardous byproducts, strict waste management is required. That calls for adequate containment, legal disposal contracting, and full adherence to local environmental protections. On the larger scale, industry R&D teams work on alternative synthesis methods with lower emissions, less use of chlorinated solvents, and higher conversion efficiency — each aiming to lower the environmental burden associated with mass production.
To minimize risk, suppliers should keep detailed batch records, offer open access to safety documentation, and provide expert technical support so customers can make safe, informed decisions about product use. With global demand growing for specialty chemicals that promise both performance and responsible stewardship, continuous improvement in both formulation and environment, health, and safety (EHS) protocols makes a difference. Building trust starts with transparency about product composition, hazards, and handling best practices.
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