Vanillyl alcohol

4- hydroxy-3- methoxybenzyl alcohol

White or colorless crystals, with a mild, sweet, vanilla - like odor

Fixed

114-115 ° C

• Little in water (2 g · l-1 at 20 ° C)
• Well in oils

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Vanillyl alcohol (4- hydroxy-3- methoxybenzyl ) is an organic chemical compound that is naturally in the Sitka Spruce ( Picea sitchensis) occurs. The substance structurally derived from both the benzyl alcohol, as well as from guaiacol (o- methoxyphenol ). The white or colorless crystals with a mild, sweet, vanilla - like odor dissolve only slightly in water, but good in oils.

Catalytic hydrogenation of vanillin to vanillyl alcohol, or leads to 2 -methoxy-4 -methylphenol.

The vanillyl-alcohol oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of various phenolic compounds, especially numerous 4- alkylphenols. Originally in - vitro data have shown the oxidation of vanillyl alcohol to vanillin:

Vanillyl alcohol has in the United States classification as FEMA GRAS (Generally Reported As Safe, GRAS FEMA # 3737 ) and can thus be used there as a food additive.