trans-Cinnamic acid (CAS 0140-10-3) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Balsamic

trans-Cinnamic acid

CAS 0140-10-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is trans-Cinnamic acid?

trans-Cinnamic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound found in cinnamon and other plants. It’s used in perfumery for its sweet, balsamic aroma. This ingredient matters because it bridges the gap between floral and spicy notes, adding warmth and complexity to fragrances while being biodegradable.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated concentrations
⚠ Potential skin sensitizer at high doses
CAS
0140-10-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does trans-Cinnamic acid Smell Like?

trans-Cinnamic acid opens with a bright, honeyed sweetness reminiscent of dried apricots, quickly revealing a resinous core like crushed pine needles in sunlight. As it dries, it develops a velvety vanilla-cinnamon character that lingers close to the skin, creating an intimate sillage. The evolution mirrors melting amber – starting sharp and crystalline, then softening into a warm, woody embrace.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Shalimar(Guerlain, 1925)

Used here to bridge the vanilla-oriental base with citrus top notes, adding a balsamic depth that prevents excessive sweetness.

Cinnabar(Estée Lauder, 1978)

Provides the namesake cinnamon-spice illusion through careful blending with clove and patchouli notes.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

An unsaturated carboxylic acid with the phenyl group adjacent to the acrylic acid moiety. Naturally occurs as both trans- and cis- isomers, with the trans- form being more stable and prevalent. Synthetically produced via Perkin reaction between benzaldehyde and acetic anhydride. The conjugated π-system contributes to its UV absorption and fluorescence properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Melting Point133 °C
Boiling Point300 °C
SolubilitySlightly in water, soluble in organic solvents

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds warmth to oriental bases
Functional Fragrance0.5-1%Up to 2%Masking agent for household products

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Benzoin = Oriental + Bergamot + Oakmoss = Chypre

Tip: Use ethanol as solvent to prevent crystallization in final products.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cinnamaldehyde CAS 14371-10-9

More intense cinnamon character but higher sensitization potential. Used when stronger spice impact is needed.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed as safe at current usage levels in fine fragrances.

GHS Classification

H315 H319

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use up to 3.8% in leave-on products.

Sustainability

Can be sourced sustainably from cinnamon bark waste streams. Synthetic production avoids agricultural impacts but requires petrochemical feedstocks. Biodegradation occurs within 28 days under OECD test conditions.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for trans-Cinnamic acid CID 637542

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 0140-10-3

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight148.16 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.1🔬 PubChem
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.113💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsfloralhoney• leffingwell

Sensory Thresholds

Odor Detection Threshold3.1623 ppm (n=2)📖 van Gemert
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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