Benzaldehyde presents naturally in bitter almond oil, patchouli oil, and hyacinth oil. It appears colorless liquid with a characteristic almond-like odor. There are three methods to synthesize benzaldehyde: toluene oxidation, catalytic dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol, and hydrolysis of dichlorobenzyl methane.
Benzaldehyde is widely used in chemical industry, especially in the preparation of perfumes, flavorings, and pharmaceuticals.