Isobutyl cinnamate (CAS 122-67-8) — Sweet Middle to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Balsamic

Isobutyl cinnamate

CAS 122-67-8

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

What Is Isobutyl cinnamate?

Isobutyl cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly used in perfumes and personal care products. It imparts a sweet, balsamic, and slightly floral aroma that enhances various fragrance compositions. This ester is valued for its ability to add warmth and depth to scents, making it a versatile component in both fine fragrances and functional products like soaps and lotions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for skin sensitivity
CAS
122-67-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Isobutyl cinnamate Smell Like?

Isobutyl cinnamate offers a rich, sweet, and balsamic aroma with subtle floral undertones. Its scent evolves from an initial fruity sweetness to a warm, resinous heart, finishing with a soft, powdery dry-down. The fragrance is reminiscent of amber and vanilla, making it a popular choice for oriental and gourmand accords. Its smooth, rounded profile blends seamlessly with other ingredients, adding depth and longevity to compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Shalimar(Guerlain, 1925)

Used to enhance the vanilla and amber notes, adding a warm, balsamic sweetness that complements the oriental accord.

Opium(Yves Saint Laurent, 1977)

Adds depth to the spicy, resinous heart, blending with myrrh and cinnamon for a rich, sensual effect.

Coco Mademoiselle(Chanel, 2001)

Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the citrus top notes and floral heart, contributing to the fragrance’s modern elegance.

Angel(Mugler, 1992)

Enhances the gourmand character, adding a warm, balsamic layer to the patchouli and vanilla base.

Black Orchid(Tom Ford, 2006)

Used to deepen the dark, floral heart, adding a velvety, resinous quality to the composition.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Isobutyl 3-phenylacrylate

SMILES: CC(C)COC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Isobutyl cinnamate is an ester formed from the reaction of cinnamic acid and isobutanol. It belongs to the class of aromatic esters, known for their sweet and balsamic odors. The compound is typically synthesized via esterification under acidic conditions. Its molecular structure features a phenyl group attached to an acrylic acid moiety, which is then esterified with isobutanol. This configuration contributes to its stability and pleasant olfactory properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to Base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds warmth and sweetness
Personal Care0.5-3%Up to 5%Enhances balsamic notes
Home Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Provides long-lasting warmth

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Patchouli = Gourmand + Amber + Sandalwood = Oriental + Rose + Jasmine = Floral Balsamic

Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes; excellent for rounding out sharp edges in spicy or woody accords.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzyl cinnamate CAS 103-41-3

Offers a similar balsamic sweetness but with a heavier, more resinous character, ideal for richer oriental fragrances.

2
Ethyl cinnamate CAS 103-36-6

Provides a lighter, fruitier alternative with similar balsamic undertones, suitable for fresher compositions.

3
Cinnamyl alcohol CAS 104-54-1

Delivers a floral, spicy profile with less sweetness, useful for more complex floral accords.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has assessed isobutyl cinnamate as safe for use in current fragrance applications.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, isobutyl cinnamate is produced through controlled chemical processes, reducing reliance on natural resources. Its production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact, though energy consumption and waste management should be considered. Sustainable sourcing of raw materials like cinnamic acid and isobutanol is encouraged to further reduce ecological footprint.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Isobutyl cinnamate PubChem
  2. Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. Wiley
  3. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing. Allured

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID2047646

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 204.269 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.015 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 286.579 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 10.389 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 146.472 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.536 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 200.295 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.565 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.565 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.565 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.66 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.011 mmHg📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 35.922 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 62.407 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 24.74 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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