Coniferyl aldehyde
Coniferyl aldehyde is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H3CH=CHCHO. It is a derivative of cinnamaldehyde, featuring 4-hydroxy and 3-methoxy substituents. It is a major precursor to lignin.
Biosynthetic role
In sweetgum, coniferyl aldehyde is a precursor to sinapaldehyde via hydroxylation mediated by coniferyl aldehyde 5-hydroxylase.Coniferyl aldehyde is reduced to coniferyl alcohol by the action of dehydrogenase enzymes.
It is found in Senra incana. It is a low molecular weight phenol that is susceptible to extraction from cork stoppers into wine.