Methyl cinnamate

Description

Methyl cinnamate is the methyl ester of cinnamic acid and is a white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor. It is found naturally in a variety of plants, including in fruits, like strawberry, and some culinary spices, such as Sichuan pepper and some varieties of basil. Eucalyptus olida has the highest known concentrations of methyl cinnamate (98 %) with a 2 - 6 % fresh weight yield in the leaf and twigs.
Methyl cinnamate is used in the flavor and perfume industries. The flavor is fruity and strawberry-like; and the odor is sweet, balsamic with fruity odor, reminiscent of cinnamon and strawberry.
It is known to attract males of various orchid bees, such as Aglae caerulea.
Methyl cinnamate crystals extracted using steam distillation from Eucalyptus olida.

The Uses of Methyl cinnamate

Methyl cinnamate is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and household products.