Alpha-hexylcinnamaldehyde

Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde (also known as Hexyl cinnamal or Hexyl cinnamaldehyde) is an organic compound used primarily in the fragrance industry due to its distinctive sweet, floral scent, reminiscent of the natural scent of jasmine. It is a pale yellow liquid with a floral fragrance that is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is a member of the aldehyde family, which are organic compounds containing a formyl group. This particular aldehyde consists of a hexyl group attached to a cinnamaldehyde. The chemical formula of Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is C_15H_20O. It has a molar mass of 216.32 g/mol and a density of 0.968 g/cm^3.

Uses

Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is widely used in the cosmetics industry due to its pleasant, jasmine-like scent. It is commonly found in perfumes, where it provides a sweet, floral note. It is also used in other personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. In addition to its use in cosmetics, Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is also used in the flavor industry, where it is used to impart a sweet, floral flavor to certain food and beverage products.

Safety and Regulations

In the European Union, Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde is considered a potential allergen and its use in cosmetics is regulated by the European Cosmetics Directive. Products containing this substance must clearly list it as an ingredient on the packaging. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the use of Alpha-Hexylcinnamaldehyde in cosmetics or personal care products.

See Also

• Cinnamaldehyde
• Fragrance ingredient
• Cosmetics industry