What Is Cinnamyl Acetate?
Cinnamyl acetate is an ester first identified by fragrance chemists in the early twentieth century when systematic studies of cinnamic derivatives began to take off. Today it is produced on an industrial scale through a straightforward reaction between cinnamyl alcohol and acetic acid, a process that gives consistent purity while keeping costs in the moderate to low range for perfumers.
The molecule also exists in nature, turning up in trace amounts in the leaves of certain cinnamon trees and a handful of other botanicals, yet commercial supply is almost always synthetic. This lab-made route ensures steady quality and meets the volume demands of the detergent, candle and fine fragrance sectors.
At room temperature the material is a clear liquid that can look colorless or faintly yellow depending on storage age and lighting. No stabilizer is required since the ester is quite robust, and its high boiling point lends extra staying power during compounding and finished product use.
Because it is easy to manufacture and stable across formulas, Cinnamyl acetate is a common pick for both large-scale consumer goods and niche perfume houses. Formulators appreciate its reliability and the fact that it delivers a distinctive effect without putting pressure on the budget.
What Does Cinnamyl Acetate Smell Like?
Perfumers place this ingredient in the spicy family. Off a blotter it opens with a warm cinnamon impression that feels smooth rather than sharp. Within seconds a floral twist appears, reminiscent of hyacinth and a hint of ylang ylang, adding lift and a gentle sweetness. As the scent settles a soft balsamic tone emerges, rounding the edges and giving a slightly powdery finish.
In the traditional top-middle-base framework Cinnamyl acetate lives squarely in the middle. It rises quickly enough to color the heart of a perfume yet has the weight to linger after the top notes fade. This makes it a helpful bridge between fleeting citrus notes and richer base woods or musks.
Projection is moderate, creating a clear presence without overwhelming a blend. Longevity on a strip typically runs several hours, and when used at up to 2 percent in a formula it continues to whisper its spicy floral character well into the dry-down.
How & Where To Use Cinnamyl Acetate
First things first: this is a pleasant, hassle-free material to handle. It pours easily, stays clear and does not darken quickly so you will not be fighting with sludge or crystallisation while weighing it out.
Perfumer-wise the molecule shines in the heart of a composition. Use it when you want to thread a warm cinnamon accent through a floral bouquet or to give lift to heavier balsamic woods. It blends naturally with clove, nutmeg, ylang ylang, jasmine and creamy sandalwood, yet it can also freshen a gourmand by tempering sugary notes with a gentle spice.
Typical concentration in fine fragrance sits around 0.3 – 2 percent. At traces you barely notice the cinnamon and instead get a soft hyacinth whisper. Push it toward 2 percent and the spice steps forward, adding a velvety warmth that feels more sophisticated than raw cinnamon oil. Beyond 3 percent the note can flatten and start to dominate so most formulators stop well short of 5 percent except in functional products where punchy character is desired.
In soaps, detergents and candles Cinnamyl acetate tolerates alkaline or high-heat environments better than many florals, making it a reliable way to keep a spicy tone alive after saponification or a long burn. The downside is that it can feel a touch powdery in very fresh citrus builds so you might reserve it for richer themes.
Preparation is minimal: a 10 percent ethanol or DPG dilution gives finer dosing control and makes the material quicker to weigh on a busy bench. No antioxidants or UV stabilisers are normally needed.
Safely Information
As with any aroma chemical a few straightforward precautions keep work both safe and enjoyable.
- Dilute before smelling: prepare a 1-10 percent solution and evaluate on a blotter rather than sniffing the neat liquid.
- Avoid direct bottle inhalation: headspace inside the vial can hold concentrated vapour that may irritate nasal passages.
- Work in good ventilation: adequate airflow prevents a build-up of fumes and keeps the workspace comfortable.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: contact with undiluted material can cause redness or stinging and accidental splashes in the eyes are painful.
- Health considerations: some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor before use and prolonged or high-level exposure is best avoided.
Always refer to the latest MSDS from your supplier and check it regularly for updates. Follow any current IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in your specific product type to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Storage And Disposal
When stored correctly Cinnamyl acetate keeps its full character for roughly two to three years, sometimes longer if the bottle is opened only occasionally. A refrigerator is helpful but not essential, a shelf in a cool dark cupboard away from sunlight and heat sources is usually sufficient.
Seal neat material and dilutions with polycone caps since these liners grip the bottle neck tightly and limit vapour loss. Dropper bottles look convenient yet they let air creep in so stick with solid caps and use separate pipettes for dosing.
Try to keep bottles topped up. Less headspace means less oxygen which slows oxidation and colour change. If you consolidate part-used stock into a smaller container the material will stay fresher.
Label every vessel clearly with the name, batch or purchase date and any personal safety notes so you are never guessing in a busy workspace.
For disposal the ester is readily biodegradable but never pour large volumes down the drain. Small rinses from glassware can go with plenty of running water, bigger quantities should be mixed with an absorbent material like sand or cat litter then taken to a local hazardous waste facility according to municipal rules.
Summary
Cinnamyl acetate is a spicy floral ester that perfumers reach for when they want smooth cinnamon backed by hints of hyacinth ylang ylang and a soft balsamic trail. It slots neatly into heart accords, pairs well with woods gourmands or florals and behaves reliably in everything from luxury perfume to laundry soap.
The ingredient is stable, affordable and fun to work with which explains its steady popularity across the fragrance world. Keep an eye on dosage so the powdery edge does not dominate, store it away from heat and light, and you will have a versatile note ready to lift countless accords.