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Benzyl cinnamate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C16H14O2
CAS number
103-41-3
IUPAC name
benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate
State
State

Benzyl cinnamate is a solid at room temperature, usually in a crystalline powder form.

Melting point (Celsius)
35.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
308.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
348.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
621.65
General information
Molecular weight
238.29g/mol
Molar mass
238.2890g/mol
Density
1.0950g/cm3
Appearence

Benzyl cinnamate appears as a crystalline solid. It is typically white to off-white in color and has a sweet balsamic odor. It is often used for its fragrance and continuity in the perfume industry.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate

Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate, with the chemical formula C16H16O2, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are influenced by its molecular structure. Understanding its solubility behavior can provide insights into its behavior in various environments.

General Solubility Characteristics:

  • Non-polar Nature: Being a large organic compound with significant aromatic character, benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate is generally non-polar, thus demonstrating good solubility in organic solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: It is particularly soluble in solvents such as ethanol, xylene, and ether, making it useful in formulations where organic solvents are involved.
  • Water Solubility: However, its solubility in water is quite low due to the inability to form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules, a characteristic common to many non-polar compounds.

In summary, benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate is a compound that demonstrates higher solubility in organic solvents compared to water. This property is essential when considering its applications in various fields such as chemistry and industry, where solvent choice is crucial for effective use.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate

Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate, also known for its unique structure and diverse applications, brings intriguing characteristics to the realm of organic chemistry. Its notable features include:

  • Structure: This compound is an ester, which signifies that it is derived from an acid (in this case, cinnamic acid) and an alcohol (benzyl alcohol). The presence of both aromatic rings contributes to its chemical stability and reactivity.
  • Natural Occurrence: Benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate is often found in nature, as it can be derived from various plant sources. It plays a role in the flavor and fragrance industry, adding a sweet and floral note to products.
  • Applications: Beyond its aromatic properties, this compound has utility in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, showcasing the versatility of esters in organic reactions.

According to chemist John McCarthy, "The beauty of organic chemistry lies in how simple structures can lead to complex variations, and benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate is a prime example." This compound is an excellent representation of how small changes in molecular structure can significantly alter the behavior and functionality of a substance.

In summary, benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate serves not just as a fundamental compound for study, but also highlights the intersection of chemistry with other fields, including industrial applications, aroma chemistry, and natural product synthesis. Its multifaceted roles make it a fascinating subject for both students and professionals in the chemical sciences.

Synonyms
Benzylcinnamate
2-Propenoic acid, 3-phenyl-, phenylmethyl ester
benzyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate
MFCD00004789
Cinnamic acid-benzyl ester
benzyl-3-phenyl-propenoate
CHEMBL2361576
3-Phenyl-acrylic acid benzyl ester
AKOS025243955
SY015224
DS-002671
NS00075622
Cinnamic acid-benzyl ester 1000 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
8014-16-2