FlavScents AInsights Entry: Cinnamyl Acetate (CAS: 103-54-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Cinnamyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl acetate
- CAS Number: 103-54-8
- FEMA Number: 2294
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
- Molecular Formula: C11H12O2
- Molecular Weight: 176.21 g/mol
Cinnamyl acetate is an ester formed from cinnamyl alcohol and acetic acid. It features a phenyl group attached to a propenyl chain, which is esterified with acetic acid. This structure contributes to its characteristic sweet, balsamic odor with a hint of cinnamon, making it valuable in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Cinnamyl acetate is known for its sweet, balsamic, and slightly spicy aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. It is often described as having a warm, floral, and fruity character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is primarily used as a modifier or impact note in formulations, enhancing the overall sensory profile by adding depth and warmth. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely reported, its sensory impact is well-recognized in both flavor and fragrance industries.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Cinnamyl acetate is naturally found in cinnamon leaf oil and storax. It can also be synthesized through the esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with acetic acid. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations when derived from natural sources, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients in products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Cinnamyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including bakery, confectionery, and beverages, where it imparts a warm, spicy note. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the complexity and richness of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 5 ppm. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, cinnamyl acetate is used in floral, oriental, and spicy fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other middle and base notes, providing a warm, lingering scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
- Flavor Use: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA.
- Fragrance Use: No specific restrictions noted.
European Union
- Flavor Use: Permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
- Fragrance Use: Compliant with IFRA standards.
United Kingdom
- Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards.
Asia
- Japan and China: Generally permitted in flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulations.
- ASEAN: Harmonized with international standards.
Latin America
- Brazil and MERCOSUR: Permitted with adherence to regional guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Cinnamyl acetate is considered safe for use in food flavors at typical use levels, with no specific ADI established. It falls under the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for flavoring substances.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use concentrations. IFRA guidelines provide usage limits to ensure safety.
Inhalation Exposure
Volatility is moderate, with no significant occupational hazards reported under normal use conditions.
Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no major safety concerns identified at typical exposure levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Cinnamyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart warmth and depth to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spicy and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering cinnamon character, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired warmth. Formulators should balance its use to achieve the intended sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on cinnamyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in the available data is high, supporting its continued use in both flavors and fragrances.
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
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 2026-02-13 09:35:13 GMT (p2)