General Information

Color: Pale Yellow

State: Solid Crystals

Melting Point: 81 – 83 ^oC

Boiling Point: 285 ^oC

Density: 2.89 g/cm²

Percent Composition By Mass: Carbon: 63%

       Hydrogen: 5%

     Oxygen: 32%

Percent Composition By Number: Carbon: 42%

              Hydrogen: 42%

          Oxygen: 16%

    Although vanillin has been found to be a bit toxic, it is, at the moment, considered safe by the FDA.  The FDA approved vanillin as safe because of the small amount that is needed to provide the sweet vanilla flavor. 

Chemical Properties/Reaction Tendencies:

 REACTIVITY: Vanillin is stable under normal pressures and temperatures.
	           Vanillin will slowly oxidize when exposed to moisture.  It is also light sensitive.    

 INCOMPATIBILITIES For Vanillin:
	When mixed with bromine, vanillin is known to respond in a violent reaction.
	When mixed with chlorobenzene and sodium hydroxide, vanillin is known to create a violent reaction.
	When mixed with strong oxidizers, vanillin is known to create fire and be an explosion hazard.
	When mixed with perchloric acid, vanillin is known to create a violent reaction.
	When mixed with potassium tert-butoxide, vanillin is known to create yet another violent reaction.
	When mixed with thallium nitrate and formic acid, vanillin is known to cause a violent reaction. 

Reactions With Human Contact:

Inhalation:
May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing and shortness of breath.
Ingestion:
Large oral doses may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin Contact:
May cause irritation with redness and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects.
Eye Contact:
May cause irritation, redness and pain.

Structure:

Type of Bonding: Covalent Bond

Explanation of Structure

    Vanillin is a covalent bond because all of the elements are nonmetals.  Vanillan contains eight carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms.  Oxygen forms a double bond within vanillin.