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Salicylaldehyde brings together a sharp, almond-like aroma with an unmistakable yellowish liquid appearance. In my work across both academic labs and industrial settings, this compound stands out for its versatility. The molecular formula C7H6O2 pairs a benzene ring with an aldehyde and a hydroxy group. As raw material, it takes a lead role in countless organic syntheses, building blocks for dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Salicylaldehyde slots easily into the chemical family of aromatic aldehydes, but its unique reactivity comes from having both reactive aldehyde and phenolic sites, opening doors to chelate formation and condensation chemistry.
Salicylaldehyde typically appears as a clear, pale yellow liquid, though upon exposure to air it can deepen in color. The liquid form has a density near 1.16 grams per milliliter at 20°C. The melting point hovers near -8°C, and the boiling point lands close to 196°C under standard pressure. In specialty markets, suppliers sometimes offer it as a solid, crystalline form, but one rarely sees salicylaldehyde described as flakes, powder, or pearls, given its liquid tendency at room temperature. The sharp scent becomes apparent even at low concentrations, so keeping the cap tight matters if one wishes to avoid a pervasive chemical aroma in shared spaces.
The molecular structure shows the aldehyde group (“–CHO”) sitting ortho to the phenolic OH on the benzene backbone. That proximity lets salicylaldehyde act as a bidentate ligand—something I’ve used myself in creating metal-organic complexes. Chemists exploit this for making salen-type ligands, cornerstones in asymmetric catalysis and polymer research. Material purity often gets listed at 98% or better for research or fine synthesis, and most suppliers will specify low levels of water, color, and heavy metals. With a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol, the compound dissolves easily in organic solvents—alcohol, ether, even light hydrocarbons—but dissolves sparingly in water, reflecting the nonpolar body offsetting the polar hydroxyl and aldehyde heads.
For anyone dealing with customs or large shipments, the HS Code matters. Salicylaldehyde falls under 2912.19, grouping it among aromatic aldehydes without other oxygen functions. That classification helps in logistics, tax categorization, and compliance when moving across borders. From my work preparing shipping documents, an accurate HS Code avoids holdups that can cost weeks at port or rack up storage charges—an issue no one wants to face in today’s global market.
Applications stretch from life science to industry. Salicylaldehyde’s ability to form stable Schiff bases drives demand in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis. Lab-scale transformations turn out dyes, UV stabilizers, and bactericides. Many laboratories prefer this compound for the synthesis of coumarins—a core structure in various natural product analogs. On industrial sites, it supports large-scale processes, sometimes supplied in 25-liter drums or tanker trucks for bulk reactions. Having witnessed a spill, I can say it’s important to treat the material with respect. Salicylaldehyde is flammable, with a flash point near 85°C. Direct skin contact can lead to irritation. Prolonged inhalation causes discomfort—the vapor, while fragrant, should not be inhaled routinely. MSDS sheets list it as harmful if ingested or inhaled, and it requires goggles, gloves, and airflow. Storage means keeping it cool, away from oxidizers, acids, or sunlight.
Many researchers and operations managers wrestle with its hazardous nature. In facilities where regulatory inspections occur, I’ve seen investment in explosion-proof ventilation, proper secondary containment (like polyethylene bins for bottles), and mandatory personal protective gear. Training reduces incidents, and those who stay up-to-date help keep labs and plants running smoothly. Green chemistry offers room for improvement—tighter process design can reduce waste. Non-chlorinated solvent use and recapture of unreacted salicylaldehyde help cut emissions. Waste treatment plans neutralize hazards, preventing environmental release. These steps matter for production scale and laboratory use, creating safer, cleaner workflows for everyone handling this flexible raw material.
Salicylaldehyde carries the IUPAC name 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, with a CAS number standardly listed as 90-02-8. The liquid weighs out just under a liter per kilogram, offers a purity of 98% or above, and dissolves well in ethanol, ether, and chloroform. Supplied in amber glass or HDPE containers to block light, it’s labeled as harmful and potentially hazardous. Chemical buyers look for assurance on specification sheets—purity tests, identity confirmation by NMR or IR, and verification of low metal content. For those needing larger quantities, bulk pack sizes and factory certifications round out the list of buying considerations.
