Products
Pure vanillin is available in pharmacies and drugstores. Vanillin is an ingredient in many products (see below). Vanillin sugar, a mixture of sugar and vanillin, is available in grocery stores.
Structure and properties
Vanillin (C8H8O3, Mr = 152.1 g/mol, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) exists as a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water and has a pleasant vanilla odor. The melting point is about 80 °C. Vanillin is an aromatic aldehyde. Vanillin is an important ingredient of the so-called vanilla pods of spiced vanilla . The substance is practically exclusively produced synthetically or biotechnologically and is nature-identical. Natural vanillin is rarely used because it is extremely expensive.
Effects
Vanillin imparts a vanilla smell and taste to products. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The natural vanilla extract and vanillin are not identical. Vanilla extract contains hundreds of substances.
Fields of application
Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent and flavor corrector for medicines. It is also added to cosmetics, personal care products, confectionery, chocolate, ice cream (vanilla ice cream), teas, beverages, food and many other products. Vanillin is also used for the synthesis of active ingredients, for example, levodopa, papaverine, methyldopa and trimethoprim.
Adverse effects
Pure vanillin may irritate the eyes. Appropriate precautions must be observed during handling. They can be found in the safety data sheet.
