| Description | α-Methylcinnamaldehyde has a characteristic cinnamon-type odor
with a soft, spicy flavor. May be synthesized by condensing benzaldehyde with propionic aldehyde in the presence of a 1% caustic soda
solution; also by the controlled hydrogenation of α-methylcinnamic
aldehyde. |
| Chemical Properties | α-Methylcinnamaldehyde has a characteristic cinnamon-type odor and a soft, spicy flavor. |
| Chemical Properties | yellow liquid |
| Occurrence | Reported found in peppermint oil, sherry and mint |
| Uses | alpha-Methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde is a compound with antifungal activity for proteomics research use. |
| Preparation | By condensing benzaldehyde with propionic aldehyde in the presence of a 1% caustic soda solution; also by the controlled
hydrogenation of α-methylcinnamic aldehyde |
| Taste threshold values | Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: spice, cinnamon, sweet, woody with a slight pungent and hot bite |
| Synthesis Reference(s) | The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 55, p. 2878, 1990 DOI: 10.1021/jo00296a059
Tetrahedron Letters, 28, p. 1263, 1987 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)95341-3 |
| General Description | Clear yellow liquid. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile | alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. |
| Fire Hazard | alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde is combustible. |
| Biochem/physiol Actions | α-Methyl trans cinnamaldehyde has antifungal activity. It is self coupled and complexed with Co(II) and Ni(II) to synthesize ligand and complexes. |
| Safety Profile | Moderately toxic by
ingestion. A skin irritant. Combustible
liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. |
