Vanillyl group
The vanillyl group ( 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzyl group ) is a functional group in organic chemistry whose name is derived from vanillin . Compounds that have a vanillyl group are called vanilloids . In addition to vanillin, these include vanillic acid , vanillin-mandelic acid and capsaicinoids . The latter can bind to certain ion channels (TRPA 1 and TRPV1 ) of the thermal receptors on the tongue. This is the reason why hot peppers cause a strong burning sensation on the tongue. The vanilloid receptor subfamily of the TRP channels was named accordingly because of its affinity for the vanillyl group.