Amyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient commonly used in perfumes and cosmetic products. It is appreciated for its sweet, floral scent reminiscent of jasmine and is often used to enhance the olfactory profile of formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The chemical composition of Amyl Cinnamal includes:
- Amyl: A five-carbon alkyl chain that contributes to the compound's fragrance properties.
- Cinnamal: An aldehyde derived from cinnamon, which imparts a sweet, spicy note.
Structurally, Amyl Cinnamal features an alkyl chain connected to a cinnamic aldehyde moiety, allowing it to interact with olfactory receptors effectively.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Typically a clear to pale yellow liquid.
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils; insoluble in water.
pH: Neutral.
Odor: Sweet, floral, and slightly spicy.
Stability: Generally stable under normal conditions, but can be sensitive to light and air.
Production Process
Synthesis: Amyl Cinnamal is synthesized through the condensation of amyl alcohol with cinnamaldehyde.
Purification: The product undergoes purification to remove impurities and ensure quality.
Formulation: The purified Amyl Cinnamal is incorporated into various cosmetic and fragrance formulations to impart scent.
Applications
Cosmetics: Commonly included in perfumes, lotions, and creams to enhance scent profiles.
INCI Functions:
Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Cosmetic safety
Restricted cosmetic ingredient as III/67 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: 2-Benzylideneheptanal
The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds: - 0.001% in leave-on products - 0.01% in rinse-off products
Food
Also allowed in foods, but must be reported on the label as it may cause allergies if in quantities greater than those allowed (0.01% in cosmetics that can be rinsed and 0.001% in creams).
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Amyl Cinnamal is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics when applied according to recommended guidelines (1). However, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (2).
Careful sourcing and formulation practices are essential to ensure that the ingredient is free from harmful contaminants and produced sustainably.
 |  |
Molecular Formula C14H18O
Molecular Weight 202.297 g/mol
CAS 122-40-7 101365-33-7 1331-92-6
EINECS 204-541-5
Synonyms:
- 2-Benzylideneheptanal
- Amylcinnamal
- Cinnamaldehyde, .alpha.-pentyl-
