3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate, also known as methyl cinnamate, is a commonly used compound in various industries ranging from perfumery to food flavoring. Its pleasant sweet and fruity aroma makes it a popular choice for creating scents in perfumes, candles, and air fresheners. In addition, it is often used to add flavor to a variety of products such as candies, gum, and beverages. Therefore, 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate plays a significant role in enhancing the sensory experience of everyday items, contributing to their appeal and desirability in the consumer market.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate, also known as cinnamyl acetate, has notable commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food products due to its sweet, fruity, and balsamic aroma. Additionally, cinnamyl acetate is utilized in the production of perfumes and fragrances, imparting a warm and sweet scent to various personal care products.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is used in pharmaceutical formulations and as an ingredient in traditional medicine. Its aromatic properties make it a favorable choice for adding fragrance to pharmaceutical products such as creams, ointments, and topical solutions. Furthermore, cinnamyl acetate is believed to possess potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which may contribute to its use in medicinal preparations.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is a colorless liquid with a sweet, floral odor. It is commonly used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant scent.
With a molar mass of approximately 164.2 g/mol and a density of 1.03 g/cm³, 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is lighter than common food items such as sugar (342.3 g/mol) and olive oil (0.92 g/cm³).
The compound has a melting point of -49°C and a boiling point of 241°C. These values are higher than those of water (0°C and 100°C, respectively), but lower than those of butter (-32°C and 300°C).
3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is sparingly soluble in water but highly viscous. Compared to common food items like salt and vinegar, it has lower solubility and higher viscosity when dissolved in water.
🏭 Production & Procurement
3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate, commonly known as cinnamyl acetate, is a chemical compound often used in the fragrance industry for its sweet, floral aroma. This compound is typically produced through the esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. The reaction results in the formation of cinnamyl acetate and water, which can be separated to yield the desired product.
Once 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate has been synthesized, it can be procured through chemical suppliers who specialize in providing specialty chemicals to various industries. This compound is commonly transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination and ensure its purity during transit. Additionally, proper labeling and handling procedures are typically required to comply with safety regulations and prevent any potential hazards during transportation.
3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is often used as a flavoring agent in food products, as well as a fragrance additive in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. As such, it is essential to ensure the purity and quality of this compound during production and procurement to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Organizations involved in the supply chain of 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate must adhere to strict quality control measures to maintain the integrity of the compound and its intended use in various applications.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate include its potential flammability and irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. The substance should be handled with care, avoiding direct contact and inhalation of vapors. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be used when working with this compound to reduce the risk of exposure.
It is important to note that 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate may cause skin sensitization in some individuals, leading to allergic reactions upon repeated exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to minimize skin contact and wash thoroughly after handling the substance. In case of accidental ingestion or inhalation, seek medical attention immediately and provide relevant information about the chemical involved.
Overall, safety precautions should be taken when working with 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate to prevent potential hazards and health risks. It is essential to follow proper handling procedures, use appropriate protective measures, and store the chemical in a secure and well-ventilated area to ensure a safe working environment. Regular training on the safe handling and disposal of the compound is also advisable to minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate is its use as a flavoring agent in food and beverage industries. The compound’s pleasant odor profile makes it an attractive candidate for enhancing the sensory experience of various products. Investigating the optimal conditions for incorporating 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate into different food matrices could lead to the development of novel flavor formulations.
Another avenue of research could focus on the potential antimicrobial properties of 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate. Preliminary studies have suggested that this compound may have inhibitory effects against certain bacteria and fungi. Further investigations into its antimicrobial mechanisms and potential application in food preservation could have significant implications for food safety and shelf life extension.
Exploring the potential therapeutic properties of 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate could be a promising research direction. Some studies have suggested that this compound may have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects. Investigating its biological activities and potential pharmacological applications could lead to the development of new nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals with beneficial health effects.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate based upon molecular structure is 3-Phenylpropyl acetate. This compound has a similar phenyl group attached to a propyl chain, but differs in the position of the double bond and the acetate group.
Another related compound is 3-Phenylprop-2-ene. This compound lacks the acetate group found in 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate, but shares the same phenyl group attached to a propene chain.
Additionally, trans-Cinnamyl acetate is a similar compound to 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate. They both contain a phenyl group attached to a propenyl chain, but trans-Cinnamyl acetate has a trans configuration of the double bond compared to the cis configuration in 3-Phenylprop-2-enyl acetate.
