alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol (CAS 1504-55-8) — Floral Heart to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol
CAS 1504-55-8
What Is alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol?
Alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient often found in floral and spicy perfumes. It adds a warm, sweet, and slightly balsamic character to fragrances. This molecule is prized for its ability to enhance floral compositions and add depth to oriental and amber accords, making it a versatile tool for perfumers.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol Smell Like?
Alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol presents a warm, sweet, and slightly balsamic aroma with floral undertones. It evolves on the skin, starting with a bright, slightly spicy top note that mellows into a heart of honeyed florals and a base of soft, powdery amber. The dry-down is long-lasting, leaving a subtle, elegant trail. Its character is reminiscent of lilac and heliotrope, with a touch of cinnamon-like warmth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to enhance the powdery floral heart, adding a warm, honeyed depth to the violet and iris accord.
Contributes to the oriental base, blending with vanilla and benzoin for a rich, balsamic sweetness.
Amplifies the floral bouquet, adding a warm, slightly spicy nuance to the jasmine and rose.
Used in the spicy oriental accord, enhancing the warmth and depth of the fragrance.
Adds a sweet, balsamic facet to the bold floral and fruity composition.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(CO)=CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol is a synthetic aromatic alcohol derived from cinnamic acid. It belongs to the phenylpropanoid class of compounds, characterized by a phenyl group attached to a three-carbon chain. The molecule features a hydroxyl group and a methyl substitution on the alpha carbon, which influences its odor profile and stability. It is typically synthesized via the reduction of alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde or through Grignard reactions involving benzaldehyde derivatives.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | Not available |
|---|---|
| Density | Not available |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Enhances floral and oriental accords |
| Soap | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds warmth and longevity |
| Detergents | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Used sparingly for floral nuances |
| Candles | 0.2-1% | Up to 2% | Contributes to warm, balsamic notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering the composition; excellent for adding warmth to floral and oriental fragrances.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers a similar warm, balsamic character but with less sweetness and more pronounced spice.
Provides a rosy floral note without the balsamic depth, suitable for lighter compositions.
A simpler, more neutral floral note, lacking the warmth and complexity of alpha-methylcinnamic alcohol.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions. Use within general guidelines for aromatic alcohols.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has assessed alpha-methylcinnamic alcohol as safe for use in fragrances at current levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic ingredient, alpha-methylcinnamic alcohol is produced through controlled chemical processes, reducing environmental impact compared to natural extraction. Its synthesis can be optimized for minimal waste and energy use, making it a sustainable choice for perfumery.
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References
- PubChem. Alpha-Methylcinnamic alcohol. PubChem
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing.
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1504-55-8Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 148.2 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 238 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0074 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 122.5 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0007💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.971💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(=CC1=CC=CC=C1)CO🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.3 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | floralsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcoholalkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
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: DTXSID1061738
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 148.205 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.031 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 261.061 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 25.698 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 122.55 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.582 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 144.223 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.077 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.022 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.077 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.46 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.045 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.005 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 5.198 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 38.491 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 48.153 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 19.089 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.
