Phenethyl cinnamate

Chemical properties

It is a crystalline solid (mp 65–68°C) with a heavy, rosy, balsamic odor. It is used as a fixative in blossom fragrances.

Chemical properties

Phenethyl cinnamate has a sweet, balsamic odor, reminiscent of rose. At low levels, it has a sweet, plum-like taste.

The Uses of Phenethyl cinnamate

Phenethyl cinnamate is used quite frequently in perfume compositions in spite of its poor volubility, which is hardly a problem at concentrations below 5%. As a background note and part of a fixative base, this material finds its way into Muguet, Rose, Lilac, Sweet Pea, Gardenia, Magnolia, Peony, Hyacinth and many types of Oriental fragrance. n flavors, traces are used for fixation of fruity-jam-like notes, e. g. in Plum, Prune, Cherry and various fruit complexes. The concentration will be about 0.1 to 3 ppm in the finished product.

Preparation

From phenylethyl alcohol and methylcinnamate by alcohol interchange esterification.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-Phenylethyl 3-phenyl-2-propenoate is a cinnamate ester.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. A skinirritant. When heated to decompositionit emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.