What molecule am I?
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.
2-Hexylcinnamaldehyde hazard information
GHS classification*: skin sensitization, category 1 | |
H317—May cause an allergic skin reaction | |
GHS classification: hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard, category 3 | |
H402—Harmful to aquatic life | |
GHS classification: hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard, category 3 | |
H412—Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Explanation of pictograms.
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2-Hexylcinnamaldehyde fast facts
CAS Reg. No. | 101-86-0 |
Empirical formula | C15H20O |
Molar mass | 216.32 g/mol |
Appearance | Pale yellow liquid or solid |
Melting point | 39 ºC |
Boiling point | 308 ºC |
Water solubility | 3–5 mg/L |
Learn more about this molecule from CAS, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
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