Agent Name
Benzyl cinnamate
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
2-Propenoic acid, 3-phenyl-, phenylmethyl ester; 3-Phenyl-2-propenoic acid phenylmethyl ester; Benzyl 3-phenylpropenoate; Benzyl alcohol, cinnamate; Benzyl alcohol, cinnamic ester; Benzyl gamma-phenylacrylate; Benzyl-3-phenylpropenoate; Benzylcinnamate; Benzylester kyseliny skoricove [Czech]; Cinnamein; Phenylmethyl 3-phenyl-2-propenoate; Cinnamic acid, benzyl ester; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Solid with a sweet odor of balsam; Practically insoluble in water; mp = 39 deg C; [Merck Index]
Sources/Uses
Constituent of storax, Peru, and Tolu balsams; [Merck Index] Used in flavors and perfumes; [HSDB]
Comments
Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] Mild skin irritant; Causes somnolence and coma in lethal concentration studies; [RTECS] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)]
Explanatory Notes
VP = 1 mm Hg at 173.8 deg C; [HSDB]
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: