FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cinnamyl Propionate (CAS: 103-56-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cinnamyl Propionate
• IUPAC Name: Propanoic acid, 3-phenyl-2-propenyl ester
• CAS Number: 103-56-0
• FEMA Number: 2344
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C12H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 190.24 g/mol

Cinnamyl propionate is an ester formed from cinnamyl alcohol and propionic acid. It features a phenyl group attached to a propenyl chain, which contributes to its characteristic odor profile. The ester linkage is crucial for its volatility and sensory properties, making it valuable in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cinnamyl propionate is known for its sweet, balsamic, and floral aroma with a hint of cinnamon. It is often described as having a warm, spicy character that can enhance the complexity of a fragrance or flavor profile. The compound is typically used as a modifier or impact note, providing depth and warmth. Its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cinnamyl propionate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with propionic acid. This synthetic pathway allows for its use in "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations when derived from natural precursors. Its formation does not typically occur through natural processes like fermentation or enzymatic degradation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Cinnamyl propionate is used in various flavor applications, particularly in sweet and spicy profiles such as cinnamon, vanilla, and certain fruit flavors. It acts as a flavor enhancer, providing warmth and depth. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. It is generally stable under typical 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 propionate is utilized in floral and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, contributing to the overall warmth and richness of the scent. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and base notes, enhancing the fragrance's complexity and longevity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cinnamyl propionate is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended limits.

• Oral Exposure: The compound has a high margin of safety with an ADI not specifically established but considered safe under typical use conditions.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cinnamyl propionate is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spicy and floral notes, enhancing the overall profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or unbalanced product. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle yet impactful warmth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on cinnamyl propionate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-06-22 15:19:19 GMT (p2)