Veratraldehyde (3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde) is an
organic compound
Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...
with the formula . Several isomers are known. The compound is widely used as a flavorant and odorant. The compound is structurally related to
benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with a formyl substituent. It is among the simplest aromatic aldehydes and one of the most industrially useful.
It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic almond-li ...
, with two
methoxy group
In organic chemistry, a methoxy group is the functional group consisting of a methyl group bound to oxygen. This alkoxy group has the formula .
On a benzene ring, the Hammett equation classifies a methoxy substituent at the ''para'' position a ...
s.
This compound is popular commercially because of its pleasant woody fragrance. It is derivative of
vanillin
Vanillin is an organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a phenolic aldehyde. Its functional groups include aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether. It is the primary component of the ethanolic extract of the vanilla bean. Synthetic vanillin ...
, from which it is prepared by
methylation
Methylation, in the chemistry, chemical sciences, is the addition of a methyl group on a substrate (chemistry), substrate, or the substitution of an atom (or group) by a methyl group. Methylation is a form of alkylation, with a methyl group replac ...
. It can be obtained by chemical degradation of lignin.
Uses
Veratraldehyde can be used as an intermediate in the synthesis of some pharmaceutical drugs including
amiquinsin,
hoquizil,
piquizil,
prazosin
Prazosin, sold under the brand name Minipress among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and nightmares related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is an α1 blocker. It is a les ...
,
quinazoline
Quinazoline is an organic compound with the formula C8H6N2. It is an aromatic heterocycle with a bicyclic structure consisting of two fused six-membered aromatic rings, a benzene ring and a pyrimidine ring. It is a light yellow crystalline so ...
,
tiapamil,
toborinone,
verazide, and
vetrabutine.
See also
*
3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzaldehyde
References
{{Reflist
Benzaldehydes
Phenol ethers