alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde

Description

α-Hexylcinnamaldehyde has a jasmine-like odor, particularly on dilution. May be synthesized by condensation of octylaldehyde with benzaldehyde.

Description

2-Hexylcinnamaldehyde, colloquially “hexyl cinnamal” and formally 2-(phenylmethylene)octanal, is a fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and personal-care products. By itself, it has a jasmine-like odor.
2-Hexylcinnamaldehyde occurs naturally in chamomile oil, but almost all of the commercial product is synthesized via a reaction between octanal and benzaldehyde. An antioxidant such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (“butylated hydroxyanisole”) is usually added as a preservative.
In 2017, the Unilever conglomerate based in London, UK, and Rotterdam, The Netherlands, announced that it would disclose the fragrance ingredients—including 2-hexylcinnamaldehyde—in ≈1100 of its products. The project was completed this past January. Consumers can view the ingredients in Unilever products at its smartlabel.org Web site.

Chemical properties

Pale-yellow liquid; jasminelike odor, particularly on dilution. Soluble in most fixed oils and in mineral oil; insoluble in glycerol and in propylene glycol.

Chemical properties

alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is a yellow liquid with a mild, slightly fatty, floral, somewhat herbal odor, and a distinct jasmine note. Similarly to the ??-amyl homolog, ??-hexylcinnamaldehydemust be protected against oxidation by the addition of stabilizers. It is prepared in a manner similar to that of ??-amylcinnamaldehyde by alkaline condensation of excess benzaldehyde with octanal (instead of heptanal). ??-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is widely used in flower compositions (e.g., jasmine and gardenia) and, because of its stability to alkali, in soap perfumes.

Chemical properties

Hexyl cinnamaldehyde has a jasmine-like odor, particularly on dilution.

Occurrence

Reported found in cooked, scented rice.

The Uses of alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde

α-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is characterized by a typical floral scent, which makes them suitable to be used as fragrances in personal care (perfumes, creams, shampoos, etc.) and household products. It has been also used as flavouring additive in food and pharmaceutical industry.

The Uses of alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde

hexyl cinnamal is also known as hexyl cinnamic aldehyde. It is a fragrance that provides a floral, jasmine-like scent.

Definition

ChEBI: A member of the class of cinnamaldehydes carrying a hexyl substituent at the alpha-position.

Preparation

By condensation of octylaldehyde with benzaldehyde

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 5 ppm: sweet, waxy, floral, green, citrus and fruity nuances

General Description

Solubilization of α-hexylcinnamaldehyde by the ionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate and dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride and a non-ionic surfactant such as dodecyl polyoxyethylene ethers has been investigated.

Hazard

Combustible.

Contact allergens

Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde is a fragrance allergen. Its presence has to be mentioned by name in cosmetics within the EU.

Solubility in organics

Insoluble in Propylene glycol and Glycerin. Soluble in alcohol, miscible with oils.