alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde (CAS 101-86-0) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde
CAS 101-86-0
What Is alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde?
Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly found in perfumes, soaps, and detergents. It imparts a warm, floral-citrus scent reminiscent of jasmine and orange blossoms. This ingredient matters because it enhances the longevity of fragrances while providing a cost-effective alternative to natural floral absolutes, making luxurious scents more accessible.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde Smell Like?
Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde opens with a bright, citrusy burst reminiscent of orange zest, quickly unfolding into a lush floral heart akin to jasmine petals drizzled with honey. The dry-down reveals a creamy, slightly powdery warmth that lingers on the skin like a sunlit afternoon. Its evolution is linear yet nuanced, making it a versatile middle note.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the floral bouquet, adding a modern twist to the classic aldehydic structure while enhancing diffusion.
Provides a radiant jasmine-like effect, blending seamlessly with ylang-ylang and rose for a luminous floral accord.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCC(C=O)=CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde belongs to the class of aromatic aldehydes, synthesized via the condensation of hexanal and benzaldehyde. Its structure features a hexyl chain attached to a cinnamaldehyde backbone, contributing to both its floral character and stability. The molecule’s planar geometry allows for efficient interaction with olfactory receptors.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 305 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.95 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Adds floral richness without overpowering |
| Detergents | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides lasting freshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to enhance freshness and woody base notes to prolong longevity.
Alternatives & Comparisons
A regulated variant with similar properties but stricter usage limits due to allergen potential.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA, but usage levels should comply with allergen labeling regulations.
EU Allergen Declaration
Must be declared if concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with proper allergen labeling.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical precursors, alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde offers consistent quality but lacks biodegradability. Efforts are underway to develop greener synthesis routes using bio-based feedstocks.
Explore alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4026684
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 216.324 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.956 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 318.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 33.333 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 140.55 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 226.569 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.612 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| 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🔬 EPA CTX |
| 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.
