Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde stands out in the world of organic chemicals. This compound, with its molecular formula C15H20O, showcases a long carbon chain attached to a cinnamaldehyde backbone, giving it both unique aroma and high reactivity. In practical use, it often appears as a pale yellow to yellowish liquid at room temperature, though solid forms like flakes, powder, and crystal grains turn up depending on temperature and handling. The density of Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde usually falls within 0.97 to 0.99 g/cm³, which people handling industrial chemicals will recognize as typical for many aromatics. Holding a specific melting point around 9°C and a boiling point near 147°C at 13mm Hg, heat application transforms its appearance, which matters when you store or ship it.
On the molecular level, Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde features an elongated amyl (pentyl) group linked to the alpha carbon of the cinnamaldehyde core. This arrangement impacts reactivity, blending fragrance chemistry with customized reactivity in synthesis and material science. The raw materials needed for its manufacture often include benzaldehyde derivatives and hexanal or pentanol family compounds, creating a responsive feedstock for larger-scale synthesis. Chemists appreciate this backbone for altering downstream reactions, where the double bond conjugated to the aromatic ring generates further chemical flexibility. Professionals constantly check for consistency in structure using IR and NMR spectra, tracking purity and confirming the presence of expected functional groups. The HS Code for ACA, often referenced in customs and logistics, enables global trade and regulatory tracking. Accurate documentation of its code, such as 2912.49.9000, helps meet compliance and customs requirements, especially across industrial regions where fragrance or flavor applications stand prominent.
Depending on temperature, storage, and concentration, Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde can present as a liquid, but under low energy conditions, it may settle as crystalline flakes or fine powder. Bulk industrial orders rarely request it in pearls, but larger solid pieces are not unknown. Those working in chemical logistics or manufacturing pay close attention to melting and solidifying cycles because phase transitions influence safe transport and mixing in fragrance or chemical synthesis. Solutions of ACA, often prepared in ethanol or DPG (dipropylene glycol), adjust based on end-use, where volatility or stability need tight control. Handling ACA as a solid powder or crystal presents different safety notes than as a volatile oil; dust may irritate skin or eyes, and liquids can emit a distinct, sharp aroma. Volume conversions matter: one liter of Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde in liquid state weighs slightly less than one kilogram, and lab teams often calibrate specific gravity and density at precise temperatures to ensure the accuracy of mixtures.
Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde draws safety attention due to its nature as a strong aromatic aldehyde. Chemical handling demands gloves and eye protection, with fume extraction for pure samples, given possible irritation to mucous membranes. In industrial scenarios, even though ACA does not qualify as acutely toxic at low concentrations, overexposure through inhalation or contact can cause skin or respiratory reactions, which prompts MSDS sheets to note possible harmful or hazardous effects. Regulatory agencies mark ACA as a chemical with both hazard and irritant tags, so warehouses keep it away from strong oxidizers or acids to prevent unwanted reactions. Spills and waste need careful collection, as improper disposal may impact soil or aquatic systems. On shipping containers, UN numbers and danger labels match the descriptive codes set out by global bodies, embedding ACA in the broader network of responsible chemical management. People working with ACA over years report that small amounts can trigger allergies for sensitive users, reinforcing the value of safety training and robust labeling on drums, pails, or sample bottles.
Companies worldwide rely on Alpha-Amyl Cinnamaldehyde as a core building block in fragrance, flavor, and some polymer applications. Its dual nature—distinctive scent paired with reactive aldehyde function—lets it anchor floral and spicy notes in perfumes or flavorings. In plastics or surface coatings, ACA contributes to color and stability, sometimes acting as a cross-linking agent during reactions where aldehyde groups set off polymer chain formations. The compound’s flexibility for blending owes much to its long amyl chain, which resists quick breakdown and offers a gentle hydrophobic effect compared to shorter aldehyde relatives. Chemists and manufacturers demand explicit property sheets for every batch, not only for assurance of purity against the specification, but to guarantee compliant end products in cosmetics, household fragrances, and specialty chemical outputs.
Detailed specifications shape how industries trust and use ACA. Purity often reads no less than 98% w/w, measured by gas chromatography, while impurities like residual solvents or other aldehydes face stringent maximum thresholds. Color, as measured on the APHA scale, should run clear to pale, reflecting minimal oxidation. Odor, though subjective, anchors expectations—a pungent, sweetly spicy cinnamon note that unmistakably signals its identity. Water content, often measured by Karl Fischer titration, can't be ignored, since too much moisture risks unwanted side activity in downstream blending. Many suppliers list batch-specific results for each shipment, reinforcing transparency, and supporting the regulatory documentation trail from raw materials to finished products. Continuous physical checks, like density at 20°C, ensure compatibility for pump and storage systems—preventing mix-ups that could destroy product stocks or disrupt systems downstream of the raw material tanks.
In the broader push for sustainability, users look hard at ACA and related chemicals for ways to reduce impact. Closed-loop systems minimize vapor losses, while strict labeling ensures no accidental mixing or off-spec application. Staff training now emphasizes not just short-term accident prevention but long-term harm reduction, with periodic reviews of allergen potential and chronic exposure data. Modern formulations often stress dilution and encapsulation phases, lessening direct user contact and controlling volatile emissions. Transparency along the supply chain means consumers and end-user companies both know where, and how, raw materials like ACA are sourced, processed, and disposed of. Updated legislation around hazardous labeling, plus alignment with global standards for chemical safety data, encourage a safer and better-understood environment for all downstream users, from lab researchers to factory operators and shipping personnel.
