Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal (CAS 4364-06-01) — Spicy Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal
CAS 4364-06-01
What Is Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal?
Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds warm, spicy-cinnamon notes to perfumes and scented products. You’ll find it in holiday candles, potpourri, and festive fragrances. This molecule matters because it provides a longer-lasting cinnamon aroma than natural cinnamon oil, without the skin sensitivity risks of raw cinnamaldehyde.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal Smell Like?
A warm embrace of baked goods and mulled wine, with the powdered sugar sweetness of cinnamon toast. Opens with a crisp, almost metallic top note that quickly melts into honeyed cinnamon hearts. The dry-down reveals woody vanillic undertones, like the lingering scent on wool sweaters after a Christmas market visit. Unlike raw cinnamon, this acetal lacks harsh edges, presenting as rounded and gourmand.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the smooth cinnamon backbone without overwhelming spice, complementing the leather and tobacco accords.
Used sparingly to soften the patchouli-chocolate accord with a powdered cinnamon effect.
Creates the illusion of aged spice cabinets through its mellowed cinnamon character.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal is an acetal derivative of cinnamaldehyde, where the aldehyde group has been protected with methanol. This modification increases stability against oxidation while reducing skin sensitization potential. Industrially produced via acid-catalyzed acetalization of cinnamaldehyde with methanol, the reaction typically uses p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst. The acetal functional group makes the molecule more resistant to nucleophilic attack compared to its parent aldehyde.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Estimated 250-260 °C |
| Density | ~1.05 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Spice modifier in oriental bases |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Holiday candle formulations |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the fragrance from becoming too heavy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. Considered less sensitizing than cinnamaldehyde.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as EU allergen when pure, but may contain traces of cinnamaldehyde.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation pending as of 2023; considered lower risk than parent aldehyde.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids cinnamon bark harvesting pressures. The acetalization process reduces waste compared to traditional isolation methods. Energy-intensive methanol use presents opportunities for green chemistry improvements.
Explore Cinnamic aldehyde dimethyl acetal
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References
- Bickers et al. (2005). Cinnamaldehyde review. Contact Dermatitis. PMID 16128757
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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