Cinnamaldehyde
[CAS# 104-55-2]

Identification

• Classification: Flavors and spices >> Synthetic spice >> Carboxylic acid and ester perfume >> Aromatic carboxylic acid ester
• Name: Cinnamaldehyde
• Synonyms: 3-Phenyl-2-propenal; Cinnamic aldehyde
• Molecular Formula: C₉H₈O
• Molecular Weight: 132.16
• CAS Registry Number: 104-55-2
• EC Number: 203-213-9
• FEMA: 2286
• SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)/C=C/C=O

Properties

• Density: 1.05
• Melting point: -7.5 °C
• Boiling point: 251 °C
• Refractive index: 1.61
• Flash point: 71 °C
• Water solubility: Slightly soluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H317-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P272-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1B	H317
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370

Discovery and Applications

Cinnamaldehyde, a key compound responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of cinnamon, was first isolated in 1834 by the French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas. Derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum spp.), cinnamaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula C6H5CH=CHCHO. Dumas identified it as the primary component of cinnamon essential oil, contributing to its distinct scent and medicinal properties. The compound’s aldehyde group and conjugated double bond were later elucidated, revealing its structure and chemical behavior. This discovery paved the way for its use in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Cinnamaldehyde is widely used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Its warm, spicy flavor enhances a variety of products, including baked goods, candies, chewing gums, and beverages. It is a common ingredient in holiday foods and spice blends, imparting a distinctive taste and aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. Its concentrated form is used to flavor liqueurs and cocktails, providing a rich, aromatic profile. In small quantities, cinnamaldehyde adds complexity to savory dishes and sauces, balancing sweet and spicy notes.

Due to its pleasant and warm scent, cinnamaldehyde is a valuable component in the perfumery and cosmetics industry. It is used to create fragrances for perfumes, colognes, and personal care products like lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Its ability to blend well with other essential oils makes it a versatile ingredient in fragrance formulations, contributing to both top and middle notes. Its scent is also utilized in air fresheners and household cleaning products to impart a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Cinnamaldehyde exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine. It is employed in topical formulations to treat fungal infections and in oral care products like mouthwashes and toothpaste for its antibacterial effects. In traditional medicine, cinnamaldehyde is used for its purported benefits in treating respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Its inclusion in over-the-counter remedies for colds and coughs leverages its ability to soothe symptoms and support respiratory health.

In agriculture, cinnamaldehyde serves as a natural pesticide and insect repellent. It is effective against a range of pests, including insects, fungi, and bacteria, making it a valuable component in organic farming and integrated pest management systems. Its application as a natural fungicide helps protect crops from diseases without relying on synthetic chemicals, supporting sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, cinnamaldehyde is used to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by inhibiting microbial growth and reducing spoilage.

Beyond its primary roles, cinnamaldehyde has industrial applications as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. It is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fragrances. Its reactivity allows it to participate in various chemical reactions, forming new compounds with diverse applications. In environmental management, cinnamaldehyde is explored for its potential as a biocide in water treatment, helping to control microbial contamination.

References

2025. Cinnamaldehyde induces a TRPA1-mediated nociceptive behavior in planarians. Neuroscience Letters, 842.
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.138041

2024. New gel from a water-soluble Carboxymethyl chitosan-Cinnamaldehyde Schiff base derivative as an effective preservative against soft rot in ginger. Food Chemistry, 460.
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140970

2024. Anticancer potentials of bioactive compounds in some locally available spices in Nigeria. Discover Plants, 1.
DOI: 10.1007/s44372-024-00059-2