Ethyl vanillin, also called as Ethylvanillin, appears white to off-white fine crystalline powder. It has similar but stronger scent than vanillin. It is prepared from catechol, beginning with ethylation to give guethol.
Ethylvanillin is used in the formulation fragrance and flavor.
Vanillin is an organic compound naturally occurring in vanilla. It is white to pale yellow needle crystal with milky and vanilla aroma. The so-called natural vanillin is prepared by isomerization and oxidation of eugenol. The synthetic vanillin is prepared by nitroso process.
Synthetic vanillin is usually classified into methyl vanillin and ethyl vanillin. Methyl vanillin is white or yellowish crystal with vanilla and rich milky odor. It is the main ingredient of creamy vanilla essence. Ethyl vanillin is a white to yellowish needle crystal or crystalline powder with vanilla bean odor. Vanillin is widely used in the flavor and fragrance formulation.