A yellowish volatile oily liquid, C6H5CHO; r.d. 1.04; m.p. –26°C; b.p. 178.1°C. The compound occurs in almond kernels and has an almond-like smell. It is made from methylbenzene (by conversion to dichloromethyl benzene, C6H5CHCl2, followed by hydrolysis). Benzenecarbaldehyde is used in flavourings, perfumery, and the dyestuffs industry.