Methyl Cinnamate Aroma Chemical
CAS# 103-26-4

Methyl Cinnamate is a material with a natural-like character, found abundantly in the essential oils of basil, eucalyptus, and strawberry, and also produced commercially through the esterification of cinnamic acid with methanol. At room temperature, it exists as white to slightly yellow crystals and has a relatively low melting point, so it liquefies easily when gently warmed. The history of Methyl Cinnamate is closely tied to the development of organic chemistry in the 19th century, when scientists began successfully isolating compounds from nature for industrial applications. The introduction of this material marked a major advance, providing an effective solution for recreating realistic fruity aromas in both the food and cosmetic industries.

Description

Methyl Cinnamate belongs to the Fruity, Balsamic, and Spicy family. It offers a sweet aroma strongly reminiscent of ripe strawberry and cherry, interwoven with the warmth of cinnamon and balsamic resin. Functioning mainly from the middle note to the base note, it serves as both a modifier and a fixative, adding depth to carnation accords, tuberose compositions, and Oriental fragrance structures. In Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, Steffen Arctander described it as having a “fruity, balsamic, sweet, and powerful odor,” and also praised its usefulness in creating spicy and fruity notes. In practical formulation work, Methyl Cinnamate is often paired with Eugenol, Ionones, or Vanilla to create classic fragrance effects. Because of its solid physical form and relatively strong odor intensity, it is often recommended to dilute it to 10% or 20% in safe solvents such as DPG, IPM, or DEP to make weighing and blending easier.

Applications

The applications of Methyl Cinnamate extend across fine fragrance, soap, scented candles, and the food industry. However, its use in cosmetic products requires strict compliance with IFRA standards. Due to its potential to cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions, its concentration is tightly restricted, and it is generally permitted only at very low levels in leave-on products. In addition, in many major markets, the name of this substance must be clearly declared on the product label to warn consumers who may be prone to allergies. Despite these strict regulations, Methyl Cinnamate remains an important ingredient, appearing in countless Oriental-style perfumes and in many strawberry-flavored or strawberry-scented products worldwide.