Ethyl Vanillin 

Ethyl Vanillin is an organic compound that is a member of benzaldehydes and is simply vanillin 
with an additional carbon. The methoxy of vanillin is replaced by an ethoxy group so it becomes ethyl 
vanillin. It is important for food addiction. Since it is less expensive and keeps better in storage and 
transport, it can be used as a substitute of vanilla.1 It does not exist in nature because it was found from 
extraction of vanillin. Ethyl vanillin has been used since the 1930s. It has a stronger smell than vanilla 4 
times. The functional groups of ethyl vanillin consist of ether, aldehyde, and phenol. The formula is 
C9H10O3. Ethyl vanillin changes form to 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and 
3-ethoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid after dietary intake. 

Contacted with iron and alkali, ethyl vanillin demonstrates a red color and loses its odor power. 
Its flavour can be unpleasant in the product if ethyl vanillin is put in the high level. The product is also 
not stable. There is an intense vanilla scent and sweet taste.2 It is considered as a safe molecule to apply 
and safe for humans. If it is caused by humans, it is only dangerous to skin such as skin irritation. 

The color of it is a white to light yellow that has an aroma similarly to vanila. The appearance is 
in the form of powders similar to crystalline powder. It is soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and 
propylene glycol solutions of alkali. 1 gram of ethyl vanillin can be dissolved in 100 milliliter of water if 
the temperature is at 50 ​°C.​ The boiling point of Ethyl vanillin is 295.1 ​°C (169 °F) and the melting point is 
between 76 to 78 °​C. The molecule weight is 166.17 g/mol.3 

The uses of ethyl vanillin can be found in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, health care products, 
or agriculture. Ethyl Vanillin is most used in flavour in the production of chocolate. Furthermore, 
synthesizing ethyl vanillin is related to vanillin or artificial vanilla by a flavouring agent. In food 
production, it is an addictive smell in food such as chocolate, candies, biscuit, instant noodle, and bread 
to improve its smell. In beverage, It is generally permitted worldwide to put it in drinks such as milk 
shake, chocolate drinks, or cereal drinks. In pharmaceutical industries, it is an intermediate in 
Pharmaceutical. In health and personal care, it is used in cosmetics as a flavoring agent and used in 
personal care products such as skin care and cosmetics. In Agriculture and animal feed, it is used as a 
scent for enhancing agriculture, animal feed, and poultry.4 

1
(n.d.). ETHYL VANILLIN - Inxight Drugs - National Center for .... Retrieved May 18, 2020, from
https://drugs.ncats.io/substance/YC9ST449YJ
2
(n.d.). Ethyl vanillin CAS#: 121-32-4 - Chemical Book. Retrieved May 19, 2020, from
https://www.chemicalbook.com/productchemicalpropertiescb7852934_en.htm
3
(n.d.). Ethyl Vanillin | Allied Products - GC Chemicals. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from
https://www.gcchemicals.com/ethyl-vanillin.html
4
(2015, July 6). Ethyl Vanillin Applications, Ethyl Vanillin Uses. Retrieved May 18, 2020, from
https://www.foodsweeteners.com/applications-and-uses-of-ethyl-vanillin/
 Trans-Ferulic acid​ (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) 
Trans-ferulic acid is a supplement of ferulic acid. It is easily extracted from its natural hosts. This 
organic compound can be generally found in the seeds of multiple plants such as wheat, oats, rices, and 
other grains. It also can be discovered in fruits like apples, pineapples, and oranges that are the great 
source of ferulic acid. It is hydroxycinnamic acid and is commonly used in several studies with bacterias 
such as Pseudomonas acidovorans and fungi.5 There are many supplement makers that use 
trans-ferulic acid as ingredients in multivitamins and anti-aging supplements. The formula is C10H10O4. 
Trans-ferulic acid is an extremely weak basic compound and exists in all living species, ranging from 
bacteria to humans.6 

Trans-Ferulic acid’s chemical properties can make both an antioxidant and a metabolite of 
eukaryotes in plants. Antioxidants are used by the human body to control free radicals, extra molecules 
travel around the body and cause damage to tissues. There are side-effects of using too much 
trans-ferulic acid which is skin color. If people use too much ferulic acid, it will prohibit melanin which is 
the substance giving its color. The more melanin shows up, the darker skin will be. It can cause skin 
irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory irritant if people directly contact the substance.7 

Trans-ferulic acid has a slightly yellow color. It can be dissolved in hot water and alcohol, The 
melting point is between 168-172 ​s and the boiling point is 250.62 °C estimately. The appearance is 
powder and solid. The density for trans-ferulic acid is 1.316 kilogram per cubic metre. 8 

For its application, trans-ferulic acid is functioned as a matrix, helping to tie up tightly, of 
proteins in mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is a technique of analysis in which substances are 
ionized into charged molecules. In addition, it is used as a reagent for synthesis of vanillin, along with 
other cyclic molecules. Trans-ferulic acid can be found in many supplements from local health food 
stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. Women aim specifically at these well-used ingredients in 
supplements such as nutritional supplements and skin care products. When it is put in skin care 
products, ferulic acid helps to protect overall skin by reducing spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Many 
athletes also use this compound that helps them regulate stress levels because exercise causes 
physical stress.9 

5
(n.d.). trans-Ferulic acid | GoldBio. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from
https://www.goldbio.com/product/7056/trans-ferulic-acid
6
(​ 2010, April 8). Showing Compound trans-Ferulic acid (FDB012802) - FooDB. Retrieved May 21, 2020, 
from​ ​https://foodb.ca/compounds/FDB012802
7
​(2013, February 27). Material Safety Data Sheet - Spectrum Chemical. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from 
https://www.spectrumchemical.com/MSDS/F3261.PDF
8
​(n.d.). trans-Ferulic acid | 537-98-4. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from 
https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_cb3337152.htm
9
(n.d.). Trans-Ferulic Acid | Exercise.com. Retrieved May 21, 2020, from
https://www.exercise.com/supplements/trans-ferulic-acid