What Is Cinnamyl Cinnamate?
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is an ester formed when cinnamyl alcohol joins with cinnamic acid. The link between the two was first documented by chemists in 1893 during studies of natural balsams. Early work showed small traces in storax resin but commercial volumes were not practical until synthetic methods matured in the mid-20th century.
Today the material is produced on an industrial scale through a straightforward reaction known as Fischer esterification. In this process cinnamic acid is reacted with cinnamyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst then purified to reach a typical assay of more than 98 percent. The result is a free-flowing white powder at normal room temperature rather than a liquid.
Although the molecule exists in some plants most of the supply used by perfumers and home-care formulators is synthetic. Consistent lab production keeps the cost moderate so it is not viewed as a premium-priced specialty ingredient. Its long shelf life and good heat stability make it popular in factories that blend fine fragrance bases as well as in facilities that make shampoos soaps detergents softeners and scented candles.
In short it is a versatile workhorse that appears in many formulas yet usually stays unnoticed on an ingredient list because only small amounts are needed for effect.
What Does Cinnamyl Cinnamate Smell Like?
Perfumers file Cinnamyl Cinnamate in the balsamic family. Off a blotter it opens with a rounded sweetness that feels like warm resin touched by faint vanilla and a hint of dry spice. The aroma is mellow and comforting rather than sharp or sugary.
As the blotter dries the material keeps its smooth resinous heart while a gentle honey note peeks through giving an almost flavored impression. No sharp edges appear even after hours which makes it a reliable background warmer in blends.
When looking at the classic scent pyramid top notes evaporate first middle notes bridge the opening to the drydown and base notes linger the longest. Cinnamyl Cinnamate sits squarely in the base. It comes on slowly yet lasts for many hours anchoring brighter materials placed above it.
Projection is soft to moderate so it will not dominate a composition. Longevity is strong; traces can be detected on a blotter well beyond 24 hours which helps extend the overall life of a perfume or scented product.
How & Where To Use Cinnamyl Cinnamate
In the lab this material is a pleasure to handle. It arrives as a white free-flowing powder that hardly clumps and has a friendly mellow scent even before dilution, so there is no harsh chemical bite to battle with.
Perfumers reach for it when they want to build warmth and subtle sweetness in the drydown without sliding into syrupy territory. It rounds off amber, resinous and gourmand accords, bridges spicy heart notes to woody bases and puts a polished glow on floral orientals. Think of it as the quiet resin that softens rough edges and extends sillage rather than the star of the show.
Compared with other balsamics like benzoin resinoid or ethyl vanillin, Cinnamyl Cinnamate is cleaner and less dusty. You would pick it when you need longevity and smoothness but want to avoid the heavy medicinal vibe that storax derivatives can bring. It layers especially well with cinnamon aldehydes, labdanum, vanilla materials and modern woody molecules such as Iso E Super.
Typical inclusion levels run from a trace up to about 5 percent of the total concentrate. At 0.1–0.5 percent it lends a gentle honeyed halo that is felt more than smelled. Around 1–3 percent the balsamic character becomes clearly detectable and helps anchor volatile top notes. Pushed to the upper end it can dominate with a deep resinous sweetness that borders on spicy so moderation is key.
Because it is a solid you may need light prep work. Most formulators create a 10 percent solution in ethanol, triethyl citrate or dipropylene glycol. A brief warm water bath loosens any compacted powder and speeds dissolution. Once in solution it handles just like a liquid and integrates smoothly with other components.
Safely Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions and Cinnamyl Cinnamate is no exception.
- Dilute before smelling: Always create a low-percentage solution on a blotter or perfume strip rather than sniffing the neat powder
- Avoid direct inhalation: Evaluate in a well ventilated space so airborne particles or concentrated vapors do not accumulate
- Protect skin and eyes: Wear disposable gloves and safety glasses to prevent contact that could lead to irritation
- Health considerations: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Short low-level exposure is generally regarded as safe but prolonged or high concentration exposure can be harmful
Always review the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and keep an eye out for updates. Adherence to current IFRA guidelines on maximum usage levels ensures your formulas remain safe and compliant.
Storage And Disposal
Stored well Cinnamyl Cinnamate keeps its performance for around three to five years before you may notice any fade in odor strength. You do not have to keep it in the fridge yet a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heaters works best. Refrigeration can extend shelf life a little more so high volume users often keep the bulk stock chilled then pour off smaller working bottles as needed.
Powder or solution, always seal it tight. Polycone lined caps give a better seal than standard droppers so reach for those when you prepare dilutions. Dropper bottles let air creep in and that air can trigger slow oxidation which dulls the sweet balsamic tone. Another simple trick is to keep bottles as full as possible or switch to a smaller container once you use half the volume so less headspace means less oxygen.
Store away from acids, strong bases and open flame even though the flashpoint sits at a relatively high 110 °C. Label every container with the name, date of receipt or dilution, percentage and any hazard statements so no one has to guess what is inside later.
When it is time to dispose of leftover material do not pour it down the drain. Though the ester is considered readily biodegradable it can still upset aquatic life in concentrated form. Small lab volumes can be absorbed onto scrap paper or vermiculite then placed in a sealed bag for the next chemical waste pickup. Larger amounts should go to a licensed disposal service that will incinerate organic waste under controlled conditions. Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, add the rinse to your waste drum then recycle the clean glass or plastic where local rules allow.
Summary
Cinnamyl Cinnamate is a lab made ester that mirrors traces found in natural balsams. It smells warm, sweet, lightly honeyed and settles deep in the base of a perfume where it smooths rough spots and adds lasting comfort. Use it to round amber, spice, gourmand or woody accords or slip a touch into florals that need extra glow. The powder dissolves easily, costs far less than niche resins and stays stable through hot soap cures or candle pours. Keep an eye on air exposure so the scent stays fresh and always follow safe handling tips. A flexible, fun building block that earns its place on almost every perfumer’s bench.