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.