Benzaldehyde

Benzaldehyde(also called Benzenecarbonal) is the simplest representative of the aromatic aldehydes. It is a colorless liquid aldehyde with a characteristic almond odor. It boils at 180°C, is soluble in ethanol, but is insoluble in water.
Benzaldehyde is formed by partial oxidation of benzyl alcohol and readily oxidized to benzoic acid and is converted to addition products by hydrocyanic acid or sodium bisulfite. It is also prepared by oxidation of toluene or benzyl chloride or by treating benzal chloride with an alkali, e.g., sodium hydroxide. It is used chiefly in the synthesis of other organic compounds, ranging from pharmaceuticals to plastic additives and benzaldehyde is an important intermediate for the processing of perfume and flavouring compounds and in the preparation of certain aniline dyes .
It is the first step in the synthesis for fragrances. It undergoes simultaneous oxidation and reduction with alcoholic potassium hydroxide, giving potassium benzoate and benzyl alcohol.