Allyl cinnamate (CAS 1866-31-5) — Balsamic Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Allyl cinnamate
CAS 1866-31-5
What Is Allyl cinnamate?
Allyl cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a warm, balsamic-spicy character to perfumes and scented products. You’ll encounter it in oriental fragrances, soaps, and candles. This molecule matters because it bridges fruity and woody notes, creating depth without overpowering other ingredients.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Allyl cinnamate Smell Like?
Allyl cinnamate unfolds with an initial burst of sweet, fruity nuances reminiscent of ripe plums dipped in honey. Within minutes, it deepens into a warm balsamic core with cinnamon-like spice and subtle floral undertones. The dry-down reveals a woody-ambery character that lingers close to the skin, behaving like a soft-focus version of traditional balsams. Its evolution mirrors the transition from summer fruit preserves to autumnal spice cabinets.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C=CCOC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Allyl cinnamate is an ester formed from cinnamic acid and allyl alcohol. While not found in nature, it shares structural similarities with naturally occurring phenylpropanoids. Industrial synthesis typically involves esterification of cinnamic acid derivatives under acidic conditions. The molecule’s conjugated double bond system contributes to its stability and distinctive olfactory properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~265 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| State | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as a modifier in oriental compositions |
| Soap | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds warmth to floral bases |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in floral compositions to add natural-seeming fruity depth without sweetness overload.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar balsamic character with brighter top notes and less fruity undertones.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, allyl cinnamate avoids agricultural supply chain issues. Production typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes are being explored.
Explore Allyl cinnamate
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1866-31-5Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 188.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 274 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0135 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 163.5 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0011💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.718💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C=CCOC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | apricotbalsamicfruitypeachspicysweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esteretheralkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
| “NOTE: The product made by cross-esterification has an entirely different odor (usually carries considerable amounts of Methyl cinnamate).”📖 Arctander | |
| A colorless liquid with peach- or apricot-like aroma. It is used as a flavoring agent or adjuvant.📖 Fenaroli | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Fruity-sweet, heavy Peach-Apricot type flavor. Finds a little use in flavors, usually mere traces in fruit flavors.”📖 Arctander |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2022⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| IOFI Classification | Artificial📖 Fenaroli |
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: DTXSID8047509
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 188.226 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.053 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 281.779 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 18.773 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 163.55 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.558 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 178.505 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.709 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.709 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.709 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.97 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.006 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 37.954 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 57.541 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.811 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.
