Coniferyl aldehyde is an
organic compound with the formula HO(CH3O)C6H3CH=CHCHO. It is a derivative of
cinnamaldehyde, featuring 4-hydroxy and 3-
methoxy substituents. It is a major precursor to
lignin.[1][2]
Biosynthetic role
In sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), coniferyl aldehyde is a precursor to
sinapaldehyde via
hydroxylation mediated by coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylase.[3]
Coniferyl aldehyde is reduced to coniferyl alcohol by the action of
dehydrogenase enzymes.[2]
It is found in Senra incana (Hibisceae). It is a low molecular weight
phenol that is susceptible to extraction from
cork stoppers into wine.[4]
^Conde, Elvira; Cadahía, Estrella; García-Vallejo, María Concepción; Fernández De Simón, Brígida (1998). "Polyphenolic Composition of Quercus suber Cork from Different Spanish Provenances". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 46 (8): 3166–3171.
doi:
10.1021/jf970863k.