Cinnamyl formate (CAS 104-65-4) — Spicy Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cinnamyl formate
CAS 104-65-4
What Is Cinnamyl formate?
Cinnamyl formate is a synthetic fragrance compound that mimics the warm, spicy-sweet aroma of cinnamon. It’s commonly found in perfumes, candles, and flavored products. This ingredient adds depth and warmth to fragrance compositions, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cinnamyl formate Smell Like?
Cinnamyl formate bursts with an intense, spicy-sweet cinnamon character, reminiscent of freshly baked goods. The top note is sharp and slightly fruity, evolving into a heart of warm, balsamic richness. As it dries down, it reveals a soft, vanillic sweetness that lingers on the skin. The overall effect is like a gourmand cinnamon roll with a sophisticated edge – comforting yet elegant.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a spicy accent that complements the fragrance’s explosive cinnamon and saffron heart, adding warmth and diffusion to this modern masculine gourmand.
Provides a spicy counterpoint to the chocolate-patchouli base, creating tension between sweet and spicy elements in this iconic gourmand oriental.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: O=COCC=CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cinnamyl formate is an ester formed from cinnamyl alcohol and formic acid. As a synthetic molecule, it’s typically produced through esterification reactions under acidic conditions. The compound features both an aromatic phenyl group and an ester functional group, which combine to produce its characteristic warm-spicy odor profile. Its molecular structure allows for good stability in various product formulations.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Strength | Medium to strong |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as spicy modifier |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Adds warmth to candle scents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to add warmth to floral compositions without overpowering delicate notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar cinnamon character but with a fruitier, less sharp profile. Better for softer applications where a rounded spice is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to cinnamyl formate (as of 2023).
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated cinnamyl formate and found it safe for current usage levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, cinnamyl formate doesn’t rely on agricultural production. Its synthesis can be optimized for minimal environmental impact through green chemistry principles. Being produced in controlled facilities reduces variability compared to natural cinnamon derivatives.
Explore Cinnamyl formate
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References
- Bauer, K. 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 104-65-4Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 162.18 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.5🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 250 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.011 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 100 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0009💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.914💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C1=CC=C(C=C1)C=CCOC=O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.2 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | applebalsamicfruityherbal• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | etheralkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
| “Green-herbaceous, yet "cinnamic" odor, balsamic, but more "dry"-fruity than the higher cinnamates. Powerful and of good tenacity.”📖 Arctander | |
| Cinnamyl formate has a balsamic, fruital-floral odor and bittersweet taste reminiscent of apple.📖 Fenaroli | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Used in trace amounts in flavor compositions, particularly Apple, Banana, Cherry, Pear, Spice, etc.”📖 Arctander |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2299⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
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: DTXSID00861714
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 162.188 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.08 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 251.333 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 0 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 118.533 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.56 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 150.597 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.275 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.275 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.275 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.2 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.003 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.475 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.707 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 39.079 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 | 48.707 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 19.309 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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