benzaldehyde

[ ben-zal-duh-hahyd ]

nounChemistry.

a colorless or yellowish, water-soluble, volatile oil, C7H6O, having a bitter, almondlike odor, used chiefly in the organic synthesis of dyes, perfumes, and flavors, and as a solvent; artificial oil of bitter almond.

Origin of benzaldehyde

From German, dating back to 1865–70; see origin at benz-, aldehyde

Also called benzoic aldehyde.

Words Nearby benzaldehyde

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use benzaldehyde in a sentence

Emulsine has the property of being able to hydrolyse the glucoside amygdalin to glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrocyanic acid.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia | Various
It crystallizes from water in large rhombic crystals, which melt at 118 C. Oxidizing agents convert it into benzaldehyde.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 5 | Various
When completely hydrolyzed, it yields two molecules of glucose and one each of benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid.
The Chemistry of Plant Life | Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
The natural oil may frequently be differentiated from artificial benzaldehyde by the presence of chlorine in the latter.
The Handbook of Soap Manufacture | W. H. Simmons
Chlorine and nitric acid oxidize it to benzil; chromic acid mixture and potassium permanganate, to benzoic acid and benzaldehyde.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 6 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for benzaldehyde

benzaldehyde

/ (bɛnˈzældɪˌhaɪd) /

noun

a yellowish fragrant volatile oil occurring in almond kernels and used in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and flavourings and as a solvent for oils and resins. Formula: C 6 H 5 CHO: Systematic name: benzenecarbaldehyde

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for benzaldehyde

benzaldehyde

[ bĕn-zăl′də-hīd′ ]

A colorless aromatic oil that smells like almonds. It is obtained naturally from certain nuts and plant leaves, or made synthetically. It is used in perfumes and as a solvent and flavoring. Chemical formula: C7H6O.

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