Linalyl cinnamate (CAS 78-37-5) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Linalyl cinnamate
CAS 78-37-5
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 SAFEWhat 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.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the fragrance’s spicy heart while adding floral sophistication that prevents the blend from becoming too harsh or masculine.
Provides a warm spiciness that grounds the explosive floral bouquet, creating depth and longevity without overwhelming the delicate notes.
2D Molecular Structure
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
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 300°C |
| Density | ~1.0 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | ~1.52 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds warmth to floral compositions |
| Body Care | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Provides subtle spiciness |
| Home Fragrance | 2-4% | Up to 6% | Creates inviting ambiance |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge floral and spicy accords while adding warmth without heaviness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more floral, less spicy character is desired.
For a similar spicy profile with more pronounced cinnamon character.
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
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 78-37-5Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 284.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.4🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 353 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -0.601💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(=CCCC(C)(C=C)OC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | balsamicfloralsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esteretheralkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
| “Mild and balsamic-sweet, slightly herbaceous-floral, Muguet-like, Lily-like odor of great tenacity and uniformity. Esters, prepared by methods other than the "Roche-method" may display odors largely deviating from the above description: more fruity, more complex, less floral, etc.”📖 Arctander | |
| Linalyl cinnamate has a sweet, persistent odor with soft floral notes; clearly balsamic. It has a slightly fruity flavor.📖 Fenaroli | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Trace amounts of the ester are used in flavor compositions for imitation Grape, Honey, Loganberry, and in Rose complexes, Fruit blends or Floral flavor types.”📖 Arctander |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2641⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| IOFI Classification | Artificial📖 Fenaroli |
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: 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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