FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-Cinnamyl Acetate (CAS: 21040-45-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E)-Cinnamyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: (E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl acetate
- CAS Number: 21040-45-9
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not clearly reported
- Molecular Formula: C11H12O2
- Molecular Weight: 176.21 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: (E)-Cinnamyl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile. The presence of the phenyl group is significant for its aromatic characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: (E)-Cinnamyl acetate is characterized by a sweet, balsamic, and floral odor with a hint of cinnamon. It is often described as having a fruity nuance.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: It is commonly used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a sweet and floral character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: (E)-Cinnamyl acetate is found in various essential oils, including cinnamon leaf oil and storax.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with acetic acid.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural essential oils allows it to be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in fruit, floral, and spice flavor profiles.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a sweet and floral modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of the flavor.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 1 to 20 ppm in finished food products, with typical industry use around 5 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: (E)-Cinnamyl acetate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Widely used in floral and oriental fragrance families, suitable for perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
- Functional Role: Serves as a floral and sweet modifier, often used to impart a cinnamon-like aroma.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Generally used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It is typically a middle note, providing lasting floral and sweet characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; consult specific product regulations.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not clearly reported; verify with specific product applications.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; specific status not clearly reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status varies; consult local regulations for specific guidance.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Not explicitly reported; harmonized assumptions may apply.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI reported; typical use levels suggest low risk.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure limits not clearly reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides a unique sweet and floral note that enhances both flavor and fragrance profiles.
- Typical Synergies: Blends well with other floral and spice notes, such as jasmine and clove.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering sweetness; balance with other notes is crucial.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and typical use levels are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in natural fragrance formulations is common but not always explicitly documented.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited; further research may be needed for comprehensive safety assessments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- “Citation hooks:” line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-03-15 18:47:39 GMT (p2)