Preparation and characterisation of 2-formyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine, a compound with a cracker-like odour

► A new compound was produced from the oxidation of 2-piperidinemethanol. ► The compound has a strong cracker-like odour. ► The compound was tentatively identified as 2-formyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine.