Hexyl cinnamaldehyde
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde is a common additive in the perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance. It is found naturally in the essential oil of chamomile.Synthesis
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde is typically produced via a crossed-aldol condensation reaction between octanal and benzaldehyde.Properties
It is a pale yellow to yellow clear liquid to solid, which is nearly insoluble in water but soluble in oils.
The commercial material often contains low levels of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol as a stabilizer.Safety
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde is known to cause contact allergies in some individuals but the rate of incidence is low, with patch tests indicating ~0.1% of people to be susceptible.
