Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Benzaldehyde from Almonds

Abromination - 20-12-2018 at 16:02

I am considering attempting a steam distillation on crushed almonds to aquire a crude oil in which I suspect may contain up to 30% benzaldehyde. Do I risk cyanide exposure in doing this? This feels like a stupid question but I figured better safe then sorry.

VSEPR_VOID - 20-12-2018 at 16:16

No, if you can eat it then you should not worry about it.

Abromination - 20-12-2018 at 16:20

Good point, I should have known that. Been a long day...

UC235 - 20-12-2018 at 17:17

You will get zilch unless you have access to bitter almonds, in which case there is plenty of cyanide.