2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde (CAS 165184-98-5) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Spicy

2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde

CAS 165184-98-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde?

2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that mimics the warm, spicy-sweet aroma of cinnamon. It is commonly found in perfumes, candles, and body care products. This ingredient adds depth and longevity to fragrances, making it valuable for creating rich, oriental scent profiles. Its synthetic nature ensures consistency and availability year-round.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for skin sensitivity
CAS
165184-98-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Spicy
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde Smell Like?

2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde offers a warm, spicy-sweet aroma reminiscent of cinnamon sticks with a hint of floral undertones. Initially, it presents a sharp, aldehydic top note that quickly mellows into a heart of rich, woody sweetness. Over time, it evolves into a deep, balsamic base that lingers on the skin. The scent is evocative of autumnal spices and exotic markets, with a complexity that adds sophistication to any blend.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Opium(Yves Saint Laurent, 1977)

Used to enhance the spicy, oriental accord, adding warmth and longevity to the fragrance.

Cinnabar(Estée Lauder, 1978)

Provides a rich, cinnamon-like sweetness that complements the floral and woody notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

(2E)-2-(Phenylmethylidene)octanal

SMILES: CCCCCC\C(C=O)=C/C1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde is a synthetic aldehyde with a molecular structure that combines a hexyl chain with a cinnamaldehyde backbone. It is typically synthesized via the aldol condensation of heptanal and benzaldehyde. The (E)-configuration ensures optimal olfactory properties. This compound is prized for its stability and consistent performance in formulations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds warmth and spice
Candles2-8%Up to 15%Enhances longevity and richness

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cinnamaldehyde CAS 104-55-2

A simpler aldehyde with a stronger cinnamon aroma, used when a more pronounced spice note is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has assessed this ingredient as safe for use in current practices.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, 2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde is not dependent on natural resources, making it a sustainable choice. Its production can be optimized to minimize environmental impact.

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References

  1. PubChem. 2-Hexyl-(E)-cinnamaldehyde. PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 165184-98-5

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight216.32 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)4.8🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point310.8 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0005 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point151 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-0.612💻 Calculated
SMILESCCCCCCC(=CC1=CC=CC=C1)C=O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score7.8 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsspicysweet• leffingwell
Functional Groupsaldehydealkenearomatic💻 RDKit
“Very mild, sweet-oily, slightly floral odor H.C.A. The odor becomes considerably more floral and lively when the material is incorporated with more volatile material in a composition. pleasant oily-hcrbaccous odor-contribution to B.P. and in general as part of a floral theme in other fragrance types. There are many per- octenal ‘“contribute unpleasant, fatty, rancid fumers who find this aldehyde s”📖 Arctander
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID401020801

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 216.324 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.95 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 310.8 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 17.6 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Flash Point 151 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.53 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 226.569 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.3 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.612 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.612 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.38 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 5.94 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 35.789 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 7 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 69.969 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 27.738 Å^3📊 OPERA

Data Sources:

🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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