Benzaldehyde

The structure of benzaldehyde consists of a benzene ring substituted with an aldehyde unit. This formyl unit has one atom of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The number of benzaldehyde sigma bonds is 14, formed by the head to head overlapping of atomic orbitals.

  • The most common use of benzaldehyde is to confer almond flavor to foods and scented products.
  • In industry, benzaldehyde is used as a precursor to other organic compounds, ranging from pharmaceuticals to plastic additives.