Molecular structure
phenylacetaldehyde
Cooking relevance
2-phenylacetaldehyde (PubChem CID 998) is a volatile aldehyde that contributes floral and slightly sweet aromatic notes in food applications. Its presence is detected in fermented and processed foods where it forms during microbial metabolism or thermal reactions. The compound adds complexity to savory and sweet profiles, though it typically appears as a minor component rather than a dominant flavor driver in culinary contexts.
- aroma
- floral · hyacinth-like · faintly sweet · slightly peppery
- culinary role
- minor volatile in fermented foods; contributes to overall aromatic complexity
- mass spectra
- 21 experimental spectra
Mass spectrum
A real measured fragmentation pattern · 1 of 21 experimental spectra
Sensory signature
How this molecule tastes and smells · gold is measured, dashed is a model estimate
Receptor binding
Measured in literature · peer-reviewed · how this compound interacts with biological receptors
Biochemical reactions
Metabolic reactions from curated biochemical databases · peer-reviewed
3-phenylpyruvate + H(+) = 2-phenylacetaldehyde + CO2
2-phenylacetaldehyde + NAD(+) + H2O = 2-phenylacetate + NADH + 2 H(+)
styrene oxide = 2-phenylacetaldehyde
2-phenylethylamine + O2 + H2O = 2-phenylacetaldehyde + H2O2 + NH4(+)
Research associations
Literature-derived · peer-reviewed sources only · not medical advice
Foods containing this compound
Verified Data
Compound identity and culinary context are continuously cross-referenced across open scientific databases and maintained by Foodgeist's enrichment pipeline.
The Geist can be wrong. Some flavor, taste, and pairing values are model-predicted, not lab-measured.




























