Cinnamic aldehyde

Cinnamaldehyde, 3-phenyl-2-propenal is an organic, yellowish, intensely cinnamon-scented, oily liquid belonging to the phenylpropanoid group of substances, which is sparingly soluble in water and miscible with ethanol and ether. Cinnamaldehyde is, together with eugenol, one of the medicinally active ingredients and also the main aroma substance of Cinnamomi cassiae cortex and Cinnamomi ceylanici cortex of the Chinese and Ceylon cinnamon bark. The substance is obtained from the bark of the Ceylonese and Chinese cinnamon tree - Cinnamomum verum and cinnamomum aromaticum (cassia) - by steam distillation. Cinnamaldehyde can oxidize to benzoic acid by oxidizing agents (e.g. potassium permanganate or ozone).

Cosmetic: Under the INCI name cinnamal cinnamic aldehyde plays an important role in the cosmetic industry as a flavouring (and denaturant) in lipsticks and body care products.

Food technology: Cinnamaldehyde is even more important in the food industry as a spice.

Cinnamic aldehyde can cause contact allergic local reactions as well as anaphylactic reactions when taken orally or inhaled.
Patients with a cinnamic aldehyde allergy often react to Peru balsam at the same time.

Cinnamic aldehyde is a component of the so-called"fragrance mix" in the epicutaneous tests and is tested epicutaneously in 1% vaseline.

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