Natural benzaldehyde from Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

ABSTRACTBenzaldehyde is one of the most important molecules in the flavour industry. Presently, most of its industrial requirement is met through synthetic route. In this research, leaf essential oil of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. extracted in different seasons was analysed using GC-FID, GC-MS, and NMR (1H and 13C) techniques. The oil was characterised by higher amounts of benzaldehyde (63.1%–98.3%). The yield of benzaldehyde was higher during rainy (0.45 g/100 g fresh leaves) and autumn (0.44 g/100 g fresh leaves) seasons. In conclusion, leaves of P. persica can be used as a natural source of benzaldehyde for flavour industry.