Cinnamyl Cinnamate-Synonyms Cinnyl cinnamate; Styracin-Populus balsamifer, Lavanga scandens, Lavangalata-Baslas, Styrox Benzoin

B. Cinnamyl Cinnamate

Synonyms Cinnyl cinnamate; Styracin.

Chemical Structure 3-Phenyl-2-propenoic acid 3-phenyl-2-propenyl ester.

Occurrence It occurs in the buds of Populus balsamifer L., (Family: Salicaceae)-Goris; Lavanga scandens Buch-Ham., Lavangalata-Baslas; and Styrox Benzoin Dryander (Family: Styracaceae)-Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin, Styrax.

Isolation It may be obtained from the volatile oil fraction by chilling it to low temperature and collecting the solids having mp 44°C.

Characteristic Features The characteristic features of the trans-trans-cinnamyl cinnamate are: mp 44°C; uvmax (95% ethanol): 216, 223 nm (log ε 3.45, 3.25). It is practically insoluble in water but sparingly soluble in cold ethanol and soluble in ether (1 g in 3 ml).

Identification On saponification with alcoholic KOH this ester gives rise to cinnamic acid and cinnamyl alcohol which may be further identified by performing their specific tests.

Uses

1. It is used in perfumery.

2. It is also employed in making toilet soaps etc.

Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar