Benzyl cinnamate explained

Benzyl cinnamate is the chemical compound which is the ester derived from cinnamic acid and benzyl alcohol.

Natural occurrence

Benzyl cinnamate occurs in Balsam of Peru and Tolu balsam, in Sumatra and Penang benzoin, and as the main constituent of copaiba balsam. It is used as an ingredient in the medicated cream product Sudocrem.^[1]

Synthesis

Benzyl cinnamate can be prepared by heating benzyl chloride and excess sodium cinnamate in water to 100–115 °C or by heating sodium cinnamate with an excess of benzyl chloride in the presence of diethylamine.

Uses

Benzyl cinnamate is used in heavy oriental perfumes and as a fixative. It is used as a flavoring agent.

It is used pharmaceutically as an antibacterial and antifungal.^[2]

External links

• Benzyl cinnamate at National Library of Medicine's Toxicology Data Network

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) . www.medicines.org.uk . 11 June 2021.
2. Korošec . B. . Sova . M. . Turk . S. . Kraševec . N. . Novak . M. . Lah . L. . Stojan . J. . Podobnik . B. . Berne . S. . Zupanec . N. . Bunc . M. . Gobec . S. . Komel . R. . Antifungal activity of cinnamic acid derivatives involves inhibition of benzoate 4-hydroxylase (CYP53) . Journal of Applied Microbiology . 2014 . 116 . 4 . 955–966 . 10.1111/jam.12417 . 24314266 . en . 1365-2672.