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Cinnamaldehyde

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H8O
CAS number
104-55-2
IUPAC name
3-phenylbut-2-enal
State
State

At room temperature, cinnamaldehyde is a liquid. Its stability makes it suitable for storage and handling in atmospheric conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
-7.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
266.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
248.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
521.15
General information
Molecular weight
132.16g/mol
Molar mass
132.1590g/mol
Density
1.0460g/cm3
Appearence

Cinnamaldehyde is a yellowish to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet cinnamon odor. It does not form crystals and remains liquid at room temperature, providing ease of use in various applications like flavoring and fragrances.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-phenylbut-2-enal

3-phenylbut-2-enal, also known under its more common name, cinnamaldehyde, presents interesting solubility characteristics worth noting:

  • Polar Solvents: This compound displays good solubility in polar solvents such as ethanol and methanol due to the presence of its aldehyde functional group which can engage in hydrogen bonding.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: Conversely, it is readily soluble in non-polar solvents like hexane and benzene, as its aromatic structure contributes to non-polar interactions.
  • Water Solubility: However, 3-phenylbut-2-enal has limited solubility in water. This is primarily because the molecule is not sufficiently polar to overcome the strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules.

In summary, the solubility of 3-phenylbut-2-enal showcases a unique interplay between polarity and molecular structure. As a result, it is most soluble in various organic solvents while remaining sparingly soluble in water. This solubility profile underscores the diverse applications of 3-phenylbut-2-enal in both industrial and laboratory settings.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-Phenylbut-2-enal

3-Phenylbut-2-enal is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as aldehydes. This specific compound is notable for its unique structural features and diverse applications in both the chemical industry and natural product synthesis.

Chemical Structure

The molecular structure of 3-phenylbut-2-enal showcases:

  • A phenyl group, which contributes to its aromatic character.
  • A butenal chain, making it an important building block in organic synthesis.

Applications

This compound finds its utility in various fields:

  • Flavoring and Fragrance: It is often used in the food and cosmetic industries due to its pleasant aromatic properties.
  • Synthetic Intermediates: It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals.
  • Research Importance: The compound is sometimes used in research settings to study reactivity patterns in conjugated systems.

Natural Occurrence

Interestingly, compounds similar to 3-phenylbut-2-enal are found in nature, particularly in:

  • Plants, where they may play a role in attracting pollinators.
  • Essential oils, giving specific scents to various botanicals.

Chemical Properties

Here are a few noteworthy chemical properties:

  • Reactivity: The presence of the aldehyde functional group makes it vulnerable to oxidation, opening pathways to complex reactions.
  • Conjugated System: The double bond between the carbons allows for interesting chemical behavior, including addition reactions.

In summary, 3-phenylbut-2-enal is more than just a simple aldehyde—it's a compound that bridges aromatic chemistry and practical applications, showcasing the elegance and versatility of organic compounds.

Synonyms
3-Phenyl-2-butenal
3-phenylbut-2-enal
2-Butenal, 3-phenyl-
(E)-3-Phenyl-2-butenal
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DTXSID701316192