3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)propionaldehyde, sometimes found in scientific discussions under its IUPAC name or as p-tert-butylhydrocinnamaldehyde, belongs to the family of aromatic aldehydes. Looking at its molecular structure, this compound incorporates a benzene ring substituted at the para position by a bulky tert-butyl group, tethered through a three-carbon side chain to an aldehyde functional group. With a molecular formula of C13H18O and a molecular weight around 190.28 g/mol, it stands out for both its size and the significant steric presence of the tert-butyl substituent.
This substance carries the shape of a crystalline solid under normal conditions. Its crystals often appear as colorless or off-white flakes, but minor yellowing can show up if a sample sits exposed to air due to slow oxidation. Density measures fall close to 1.0 g/cm3, which is just about what you’d expect for a molecular solid with an aromatic core and alkyl substituent. Melting points usually settle between 42°C and 45°C, though lab-prepared or industrial batches can nudge that point up or down depending on purity. Solubility reflects the non-polar aromatic center—it resists dissolving in water, favoring organic solvents like ether, ethanol, and toluene. These traits shape its handling and shipping: solid forms like flakes, powder, or crystalline pearls dominate raw material supply chains, occasionally arriving as slightly damp or even as a liquid at temperatures above melting. Volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations influence its storage, and companies keep it tightly sealed to prevent slow loss or degradation.
3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)propionaldehyde walls in its reactivity with the shielding bulk of the tert-butyl group, rendering the aldehyde less accessible than it would be in simple propionaldehydes. This feature attracts chemists aiming to trigger selective reactions on less-hindered regions or searching for intermediates that stand up to more aggressive reagents. Analytical data, such as GC-MS and NMR, highlight the three-carbon bridge linking aromatic and aldehyde functionalities, and this signature helps confirm both identity and quality during commercial production. Most suppliers guarantee purity above 98%, with controlled water content and tight restrictions on ketone or alcohol by-products. The compound’s HS Code aligns with aromatic aldehydes (often 2912.29 in international tariff schedules), slotting it squarely among specialty industrial chemicals.
Manufacturers lean on this compound as a versatile building block. Its primary use lands in the synthesis of fragrances, where the regulated reactivity of the aldehyde group lets formulators build complex molecules without running into rampant side reactions. Its steric profile creates musky, woody undertones valued in both fine fragrances and consumer products like detergents, soaps, and air fresheners. Advanced pharmaceutical synthesis has tapped this material in creating intermediates, particularly where aromatic customization delivers targeted biological activity. Researchers looking for ligands, resin precursors, or specialty polymers sometimes choose this molecule for its balanced reactivity and mechanical influence from the tert-butyl group.
Handling any aromatic aldehyde requires a solid understanding of its potential hazards. 3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)propionaldehyde, for all its industry-friendly traits, is not without chemical risk. Exposure to the skin and eyes often leads to irritation, and inhalation of dust or vapor should be avoided. At room temperature, the vapor pressure remains low, curbing airborne exposure except in poorly ventilated spaces or during high-volume handling. Standard storage calls for sealed containers kept away from strong oxidizers and acids. Spill management favors dry absorbents and prompt removal—organic aldehydes rarely sit inert when left uncontained. Wearing gloves, goggles, and working under a fume hood, these small steps mean fewer work-related injuries or complications on production lines. Companies supplying this raw material provide safety data sheets outlining proper handling, toxicological data, and first aid steps, letting workers respond sensibly to any accidental contact or inhalation.
Molecular exploration offers more than just cataloging properties; it connects theory and practical application. 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propionaldehyde’s electron-donating tert-butyl group stabilizes certain resonance forms, altering reaction rates and outcomes for synthetic organic chemists. In real lab environments, this translates to predictable yields, a necessity when scaling up for industry or tailoring performance materials. Crystallographic studies highlight the spatial demands of the tert-butyl group and its impact on molecular packing, affecting melting, solubility, and mechanical performance in final products. For developers of new fragrance chemicals or specialty polymers, these features matter at the bench and on the line.
Like many specialty chemicals, responsible production and use calls for more than technical know-how. Regulatory pressure on aromatic aldehydes continues to climb, driven by concerns over persistence, bioaccumulation, and health impacts. Safe workplace practices and strict exposure monitoring protect staff and downstream users. Waste streams containing 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propionaldehyde demand careful neutralization—most companies favor incineration or chemical oxidation to prevent environmental release. In my own experience, working in labs and with commercial suppliers, the trust established by transparent sourcing, full documentation, and robust safety training cannot be overstated. Consumers and manufacturers alike benefit when upstream suppliers invest in greener chemistry, minimize impurities, and aggressively monitor exposure points. R&D teams eager to improve sustainability can look at bio-based synthetic routes, safer derivative design, or circular chemical strategies to limit negative impacts, protecting both business and planet.
