Cinnamic Aldehyde: Origin and Types
Cinnamic Aldehyde is also known as Cinnamaldehyde; 3-phenyl-2-propenal; Cinnamyl Aldehyde; Phenylalacrolein; Cinnamal; and trans-Cinnamaldehyde. It is a pale-yellow liquid with a sweet taste and a cinnamish odor responsible for the characteristic taste and odor of cinnamon spice. It occurs naturally in the bark and leaves of the cinnamon cassia tree, originating from Vietnam and China, as a main ingredient. Cinnamaldehyde is also found in other members of the Cinnamomum species, including Cinnamomum zeylanicum and camphor. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is native to Sri Lanka and India, and has been cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Jamaica, and Mauritius.
Cinnamic Aldehyde: Synthesis and Formula
With the chemical formula C9H8O or C6H5CH = CHCHO, Cinnamaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound with mainly the trans (E) isomer, which gives cassia its flavor and smell. The essential oil of cassia bark is about 90% of Cinnamaldehyde. Cassia leaves oil contains about 70 – 85% of Cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde is produced by fractional distillation from cassia oil. The Cinnamaldehyde content of finished products reaches more than 98%.
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How to produce Cinnamic Aldehyde in Industry
Cinnamaldehyde is produced commercially by treating the leaves and barks of the Cinnamomum Cassia tree with steam. The aldehyde dissolves in the steam and can then be extracted as the steam cools and condenses to form cold water, in which the compound is much less soluble. Cinnamaldehyde can also be synthesized by reacting Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) with Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO). The two compounds condense with the elimination of water to form Cinnamaldehyde.
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Cinnamic Aldehyde & Real-life applications
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Application in Fragrance and Flavor
The most obvious application of Cinnamaldehyde is flavoring in chewing gum, ice cream, candy, and beverages; using levels range from 9 to 4,900 parts per million (ppm). Cinnamic Aldehyde has a good fragrance-holding effect. It is used as a raw material in the perfuming to make the aroma of the main spices more fragrant. Almonds, apricots, butterscotch, and other aromas may partially employ the compound for their pleasant smells.
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Application in food additive
In addition to its uses as an herbal remedy, the primary use of cinnamaldehyde is as a food additive to enhance the flavor of food products. It is used most in cake mixes, chocolate products, ice creams, soft drinks, and vermouth. The compound is also added to several cosmetics and home care products to improve the odor. Such products include deodorants, detergents, mouthwashes, perfumes, sanitary napkins, soaps, and toothpaste.
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Application in agrichemical
Cinnamaldehyde has been tested as a safe and effective insecticide against mosquito larvae. Trans-cinnamaldehyde works as a potent fumigant and practical repellant for adult mosquitos. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Cinnamic Aldehyde & Cautions
No safety concerns about the uses of Cinnamaldehyde as an herbal remedy, food additive, or pesticide have been expressed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the compound as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) food additive, permitting its continued use as a food additive in the United States.
Cinnamaldehyde is used in agriculture because of its low toxicity, but it is a skin irritant. Cinnamaldehyde may cause allergic contact stomatitis in sensitized individuals, however, allergy to the compound is believed to be uncommon.
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Conclusion
In summary, Cinnamic Aldehyde is a versatile and significant compound with deep historical roots in human life. Modern synthesis methods have expanded its availability beyond natural sources. Understanding Cinnamic Aldehyde’s origin, synthesis, structure, and associated allergy risks provides a comprehensive view of its multifaceted role and impact.
Asia Specialty Ingredients (ASI), part of Asia Ingredients Group (AIG), specializes in the production and global export of essential oils and natural aromatics. Our range of products is meticulously processed using only the finest natural ingredients sourced from the typical lands of Vietnam, including Cassia, Basil, Star Anise, and more, ensuring good product quality. Contact us for more collaboration opportunity!
