Chemical Name: (E)-Cinnamaldehyde
Other Names: Trans-Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamal
Molecular Formula: C₉H₈O
Molecular Weight: 132.16 g/mol
CAS Number: 104-55-2
Appearance: Yellow to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Warm, spicy, sweet, cinnamon-like
Boiling Point: ~248°C (478°F)
Flash Point: ~71°C (160°F)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, oils, and organic solvents
Functional Group: Aromatic aldehyde (–CHO attached to a benzene ring)
Perfumery Profile
Scent Profile:
- Warm and spicy, strongly reminiscent of cinnamon bark
- Slightly sweet and balsamic
- Rich and diffusive, with a sensual gourmand character
Use in Perfumery:
- Adds spicy warmth and depth to oriental, gourmand, and woody compositions
- Common in holiday-themed fragrances, spicy florals, and niche perfumes
- Enhances the sweetness in amber, vanilla, and balsamic bases
- Also used to evoke coziness and edible warmth in perfumes and scented candles
Fragrance Families:
- Oriental
- Gourmand
- Woody-spicy
- Balsamic
Natural Source:
- Found naturally in cinnamon bark oil and cassia oil
- Commercially extracted or synthetically produced for consistency
Notable Uses:
- Used in both perfumery and flavoring (like in chewing gum, candy, and liqueurs)
- Popular in warm, spicy compositions like YSL Opium, Gucci Guilty Absolute, and various niche scents