Cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal comes from the reaction between cinnamic aldehyde and propylene glycol. This chemical forms through an acetalization process, locking the aromatic aldehyde group of cinnamic aldehyde into a more stable acetal with the glycol. The result is a substance that trades the sharp, highly reactive nature of an aldehyde for the smoother, more resilient characteristics associated with acetals. Chemists often reach for this compound in fragrance development, food additives, and sometimes in specialty solvents, thanks to its unique blend of aromatic qualities drawn from cinnamon and improved stability from the propylene glycol base.
The structure of cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal features a backbone built around the molecule of cinnamic aldehyde where the formyl group forms an acetal linkage with both hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. The chemical formula usually expresses as C13H16O3. The molecular weight stands at about 220.27 g/mol. This structure imparts specific chemical and physical attributes, especially in how the molecule handles both water and organic solvents, bridging characteristics of both parent compounds into a single, multifunctional chemical.
Observing this acetal up close, several key features stand out. Typically, it appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, although depending on purity and storage conditions, it can present as flakes or small, translucent pearls. Some suppliers offer it in finely milled powder form while others opt for compact crystalline lumps, providing various forms to suit different raw material workflows. Density usually hovers around 1.14–1.18 g/cm3, which matches expectations given both the aromatic ring and the heavier glycol fragment embedded in the molecule. At room temperature, it keeps its solid form, but on warming, it transitions to a clear or slightly yellowish liquid, reflecting the delicate balance between aromatic, aliphatic, and acetal functionalities.
Cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal performs differently across solvents. Water solubility runs low due to the aromatic core and the acetal group’s hydrophobic tendencies, but the propylene glycol element provides just enough polar character to allow for suspension in water-based mixtures with strong mixing or solubilizers. In oil-based systems, solubility increases, making it favored in perfumery and flavoring, where it infuses complex cinnamon-like notes and lends staying power to fragrances compared with raw cinnamic aldehyde. Looking at the solution properties, it disperses well in ethanol, propylene glycol, and other common solvents used in these industries. This characteristic reduces the need for premixing and unwanted cloudiness in finished products.
For international shipping and customs identification, cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal generally falls under HS Code 291249. This broader category covers "Other Aromatic Aldehydes,” although regional variations may see it listed under specialty chemical headings to reflect unique acetal structures. Exporters, importers, and users must confirm local code designations to prevent clearance delays and ensure regulatory compliance. Documentation often requests chemical name, formula, purity, structure illustration, and clear specification data tied to this HS Code.
Depending on end use, different specification details become vital. Purity typically exceeds 98% for applications in fragrance and food, while technical grades may dip lower for industrial or research use. Specifications often outline melting point ranges (typically 61–65°C for the solid form), appearance (crystals, flakes, or pearls), and packaging details (solid in lined drums or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain stability). Moisture content, residual solvents, and heavy metal limits apply for higher safety standards in consumer products. Reliable suppliers furnish COA sheets to support these claims, reflecting a push for transparency and trust across supply chains.
Safety consistently deserves attention in any setting using specialty chemicals. Cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal avoids the strong skin and mucous membrane reactivity of raw cinnamic aldehyde but still requires careful handling. Dust from powders or flakes can cause mild respiratory or skin irritation, so gloves, goggles, and dust masks see routine use during weighing and mixing. Spillage tends not to carry acute fire risks but persistent organic residue makes liberal ventilation and quick cleanup crucial, especially in spaces handling food or fragrances. Labeling regulations classify it as a hazardous chemical under many safety programs, not because of acute toxicity but due to sensitization history and the cumulative effect of repeated exposure, particularly in cosmetics and fragrances where direct contact continues over months or years.
The feedstocks for this acetal, namely cinnamic aldehyde and propylene glycol, raise some interesting sustainability questions. Cinnamic aldehyde traditionally derives from cinnamon bark oil, a slow-growing tropical resource, while propylene glycol typically comes from petrochemical processes, although bio-based alternatives have arrived on the market thanks to fermentation technology. Sustainable production now points toward using cinnamon by-product streams and renewable propylene glycol sources. Responsible suppliers demonstrate traceability, fair-labor harvesting, and documentation around natural content versus synthetic inputs to satisfy both regulatory authorities and increasingly sophisticated consumer demand for green chemistry.
Many of us have experienced the warm, spicy scent in cinnamic aldehyde propylene glycol acetal while sampling perfumes, candles, or flavored beverages. In fragrances, perfumers value this ingredient for its ability to round out formulas, soften aldehydic notes, and improve evaporation curves. Food scientists reach for it when building complex flavors, where its acetal stability ensures shelf-life and resilience through pasteurization and storage, much more than the raw aldehyde could promise. Specialty chemical producers blend it into custom solvent systems or resin modifiers because of its intermediate polarity and aromatic bulk. Technical users appreciate the variety of physical forms—crystals, flakes, solid powder—which makes dosing, blending, and measuring straightforward with standard process equipment. In all these markets, buyers expect clear, honest specification sheets, with full traceability from raw material to finished product.
From a personal standpoint, few things matter more than clear labeling and fit-for-purpose packaging. Everyone handling chemicals expects MSDS sheets at hand. Training sessions stress the importance of gloves, eye shields, and dust control, especially as regulations tighten around workplace safety. In quality labs, incoming materials get checked for both physical parameters—density, appearance, melt point—and key hazards like heavy metals or residual solvents. Waste management teams watch for acetal breakdown byproducts to prevent water or soil contamination during disposal, supporting both worker safety and broader ecological goals. These efforts reflect a shared responsibility: not just shipping molecules, but providing a safe, traceable chain from supplier to user.
Working with specialty acetals always brings a fresh set of challenges. From sourcing consistent-grade feedstock to tracking regulatory updates—especially with global shipping becoming increasingly scrutinized—producers and users see value in detailed documentation and material transparency. Sustainability remains front and center. Developing more from renewable resources and closing the loop through improved recycling and waste handling will define the next decade for resource-intensive sectors like flavors and specialty chemicals. Each improvement, whether it’s better worker training, greener synthesis, or more robust supply documentation, brings small but real gains for both users and the planet.
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