Cinnamyl acetate

Other comments :

Cinnamyl acetate is an ester obtained from Cinnamyl Alcohol, rather than cinnamic acid, as it is the case for compounds called Cinnamates.

Stability :

Esters my form their corresponding acid under the effect of heat.

Uses in perfumery :

Cinnamyl acetate is used in reproductions of hyacinth, rosy and woody-spicy notes, to provide a green and balsamic effect.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Cinnamyl acetate has two diastereoisomers, due to the presence of a double bond in its structure. The (E) isomer of Cinnamyl acetate has an even sweeter smell than the (Z) isomer. Anyway, both have a similar smell, which explains the use of a racemic mixture of the two isomers in perfumery.

Synthesis precursor :

Cinnamyl acetate is not a precursor of the synthesis of another compound of olfactive interest.

Natural availability :

Cinnamyl acetate can be found in small quantity in some plant extracts such as Ylang-Ylang Extra EO (and other ylang fractions), Laurel EO and Cinnamon Leaf EO, as well as Narcissus Absolute, among others.

Synthesis route :

Cinnamyl acetate is synthesized by an esterification reaction between Cinnamyl Alcohol and acetic acid. This reaction is catalyzed by the presence of a small quantity of a strong acid such as sulphuric acid. In addition, the yield of this reaction can be improved by the use of acetic anhydride or chloroacetic acid, rather than acetic acid.