Linalyl cinnamate (CAS 78-37-5) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Floral · Spicy

Linalyl cinnamate

CAS 78-37-5

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

What Is Linalyl cinnamate?

Linalyl cinnamate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add floral and spicy notes to perfumes and scented products. You’ll encounter it in body lotions, candles, and fine fragrances. This ester matters because it bridges fruity and woody accords, helping perfumers create balanced compositions that evolve beautifully on skin.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No known major safety concerns
Patch test recommended for sensitive skin
CAS
78-37-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Spicy
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Linalyl cinnamate Smell Like?

Linalyl cinnamate opens with a bright, floral-lavender character that gradually reveals a warm cinnamon-like spiciness. As it dries down, the scent develops a soft balsamic sweetness reminiscent of antique wood polish. The evolution is like watching sunlight move across a spice market – first hitting the flower stalls, then warming the cinnamon bark, finally lingering on well-oiled wooden counters.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Spicebomb(Victor & Rolf, 2012)

Used to amplify the fragrance’s spicy heart while adding floral sophistication that prevents the blend from becoming too harsh or masculine.

Flowerbomb(Victor & Rolf, 2005)

Provides a warm spiciness that grounds the explosive floral bouquet, creating depth and longevity without overwhelming the delicate notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Linalyl cinnamate

SMILES: CC(C)=CCCC(C)(OC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1)C=C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Linalyl cinnamate is an ester formed from linalool and cinnamic acid. While found in some essential oils, commercial production typically involves esterification of these two components. The synthetic route allows for precise control over stereochemistry and purity. As an ester, it’s relatively stable but can hydrolyze under extreme pH conditions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointApprox. 300°C
Density~1.0 g/cm³
Refractive Index~1.52

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds warmth to floral compositions
Body Care0.5-1%Up to 2%Provides subtle spiciness
Home Fragrance2-4%Up to 6%Creates inviting ambiance

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Gourmand + Rose + Patchouli = Oriental

Tip: Use to bridge floral and spicy accords while adding warmth without heaviness.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Linalool CAS 78-70-6

When a more floral, less spicy character is desired.

2
Cinnamyl acetate CAS 103-54-8

For a similar spicy profile with more pronounced cinnamon character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed as safe for use under current guidelines.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for current use levels based on RIFM assessments.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, linalyl cinnamate avoids agricultural impacts but requires energy for production. Modern manufacturing processes have reduced environmental footprint through improved catalysis and waste reduction. The synthetic nature ensures consistent quality and supply reliability.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Linalyl cinnamate PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID4047410

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 284.399 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.99 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 353 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 24.294 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 209.983 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.537 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 287.516 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.77 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 5.77 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 5.77 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 35.617 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 7 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 89.837 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 35.614 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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