What Is Cinnamyl Isovalerate?
Cinnamyl Isovalerate is an aroma compound first noted in fragrance research during the mid 1950s. Chemists recognised it as an ester that could bridge the gap between heavier floral esters and lighter fruity ones, giving perfumers a fresh tool for balanced compositions.
Most of the material used today is produced synthetically. Manufacturers combine cinnamyl alcohol with isovaleric acid in the presence of a catalyst, then refine the result until purity exceeds 97 percent. While both starting materials can be sourced from natural feedstocks, the controlled laboratory route offers consistent quality and steady supply.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear mobile liquid that ranges from colourless to a very faint yellow tint. Its density sits just under one gram per millilitre so it handles much like water, yet it does not dissolve in water at all. The flashpoint of about 110 °C keeps it well within standard safety margins for everyday fragrance work.
Thanks to its reliability and broad compatibility, Cinnamyl Isovalerate appears in everything from fine perfume concentrates to household cleaners. It is considered a mid-tier cost ingredient: not so rare that it drives up a formula budget but not as cheap as bulk solvents either. Perfumers appreciate that balance, which helps explain why the ester remains a staple in modern creative palettes.
What Does Cinnamyl Isovalerate Smell Like?
Perfumers group this molecule in the floral family. Off a scent strip the first impression is a soft spice nuance standing beside a fresh rose character. Within a few minutes a gentle fruity tone emerges, reminiscent of crisp apples rather than ripe tropical fruit, which keeps the profile lively instead of syrupy.
The note sits mainly in the heart of a fragrance. Top notes are the light molecules you notice in the first ten minutes, base notes linger for hours, and middle notes connect the two. Cinnamyl Isovalerate enters shortly after the top fades, then holds its floral-spicy glow for a solid stretch before the deeper materials take over.
Projection is moderate; it will not dominate a room yet it carries well enough for personal scent trails. Longevity on skin or fabric is respectable at four to six hours when used at typical levels, which makes it a dependable team player in both prestige perfume and functional products.
How & Where To Use Cinnamyl Isovalerate
Most perfumers will tell you this is a friendly material. It pours easily, blends without fuss and gives a clear idea of its scent from the first test strip so you are not fighting any hidden quirks.
The molecule shines in the heart of a floral accord. When you want a rose note to feel livelier or when orange blossom feels too thin, a dash of Cinnamyl Isovalerate supplies warmth and a gentle apple accent that keeps the bouquet from smelling old fashioned. It bridges spicy elements like clove with fruity ones like pear, smoothing the transition so the result feels seamless.
Reach for it over cinnamyl alcohol when you need a softer edge or over phenethyl alcohol when you want extra diffusion. It also pairs well with ionones, hedione and modern musks, giving them a subtle push without stealing the spotlight.
Applications are broad. In fine fragrance it sits comfortably at 0.2 – 2 %. Functional products such as liquid soap or shampoo may use 0.05 – 0.5 % to add a floral lift that survives the surfactants. Candles tolerate up to about 5 % before the note turns heavy and slightly acidic. Above this the fruit facet can feel fermented so moderation helps.
Concentration changes its personality. At trace levels it is almost all fresh apple. Around 1 % the rosy spice blooms. Beyond 3 % the apple fades and a honeyed warmth appears that can weigh a formula down if you are not careful.
No special prep work is required beyond the usual practice of premixing it in a small amount of dipropylene glycol or ethanol when adding to large batches. This prevents hot spots and makes weighing easier.
Safely Information
Working with aroma chemicals always calls for a few basic precautions and this ester is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: Prepare a 1 % solution on a scent strip instead of sniffing from the bottle.
- Never smell neat from the bottle: Direct inhalation delivers a concentrated dose that can numb your nose and hide nuances.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Good airflow keeps vapor levels low and reduces accidental overexposure.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: Contact with skin or eyes may cause irritation so simple protective gear is wise.
- Health considerations: Some people can develop skin irritation or allergic reactions. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before handling. Short encounters at low levels are usually safe yet long or high-level exposure may be harmful.
The guidance above is only a starting point. Always consult the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates then follow any limits set by the International Fragrance Association for safe use in your chosen product.
Storage And Disposal
When you store it correctly Cinnamyl Isovalerate usually stays in spec for around two to three years, sometimes longer. Fresh material has the most sparkle so dating each bottle helps you rotate stock and avoid surprises.
Refrigeration is a nice extra but not essential. A shelf in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters and direct sun protects the ester from light driven oxidation. Keep the bottle tightly closed between uses and top it up with inert gas or decant to a smaller vial as the level drops so the headspace stays minimal.
Polycone caps give the best seal because the soft liner hugs the glass thread. Standard dropper tops let air sneak in and solvent vapour sneak out which shortens shelf life and can leave the concentrate smelling flat. Use droppers only for sampling then swap the cap back.
If you prepare dilutions label them with the percentage, solvent and date. Full wording such as “Cinnamyl Isovalerate 10 % in ethanol” plus hazard icons keeps anyone in the workspace informed at a glance.
For disposal small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter or paper towel, sealed in a bag and placed with general waste as long as local rules allow fragrances in household trash. Larger volumes belong in a sealed drum destined for a licensed chemical waste handler. The molecule is an ester so it will slowly biodegrade yet dumping it down the drain can still harm aquatic life and is rarely legal.
Wipe up spills with absorbent material, ventilate the room, and wash tools in warm soapy water. Any contaminated cloths should dry outdoors before binning to avoid lingering vapour in indoor bins.
Summary
Cinnamyl Isovalerate is a synthetic floral ester that lands between rose, spice and a crisp apple accent. It slides into the heart of a perfume and bridges fruity and spicy notes without stealing the spotlight. Perfumers reach for it in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, candles and even cleaning sprays because it is reliable, mid priced and easy to blend.
If you need to brighten a rose accord, soften cinnamyl alcohol or add discreet lift to modern musks this ingredient shines. It handles well, lasts several hours on skin and plays nicely with ionones, hedione and light woods. Budget wise it sits in the comfortable middle tier so you can experiment freely.
Just remember good storage practice and sensible dilution. Treat it with respect, keep the bottle full and capped tight, and it will reward you with a lively floral twist in almost any accord you dream up.