para-cresyl propionaldehyde

para-cresyl propionaldehyde is a floral aldehyde found naturally in cinnamon bark oil with applications in perfuming agents and a distinctive floral odor.

General Material Description

para-cresyl propionaldehyde, also known as 4-methylbenzenepropanal, is an aromatic aldehyde characterized by the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O. This compound appears as a clear substance with a typical floral scent profile reminiscent of heliotrope, lily, and lilac notes. It belongs to the class of aromatic aldehydes and holds a controlled vocabulary entry in PubChem. Various synonyms identify it in scientific and industrial contexts, including 3-(4-methylphenyl)propanal and p-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde. Naturally, it is found in cinnamon bark oil. The compound is derived typically through chemical synthesis or extraction from natural sources containing the methylbenzene moiety. Its distinct odor qualities make it of interest within perfumery, albeit with regulatory restrictions.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

para-cresyl propionaldehyde occurs naturally in cinnamon bark oil and is associated with floral and spicy aroma profiles. Within fragrance applications, it contributes to scents evocative of cinnamon, heliotrope, lilac, and lily. However, this compound is not commonly used in flavorings and is classified primarily as a perfuming agent. Regulatory frameworks such as IFRA (Global) impose restrictions on its use levels, including prohibitions on certain fragrance applications due to dermal sensitization concerns. This compound’s chemical profile thus limits its applicability mainly to controlled perfumery formulations where its characteristic floral aldehyde notes are desired.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

para-cresyl propionaldehyde presents a boiling point range from 222 to 223°C at standard atmospheric pressure, indicating moderate volatility suitable for fragrance ingredient considerations. It exhibits a vapor pressure of approximately 0.088 mmHg at 25°C, supporting controlled evaporation from formulations. Its logP value of 2.58 reflects preferential solubility in organic solvents relative to water, correlating with partial solubility noted in alcohol but limited aqueous solubility. The flashpoint at 100°C (converted from 212°F) underscores its handling safety under typical conditions. These physico-chemical traits influence formulation strategies, particularly regarding solvent selection, volatility balance, and stability within perfume compositions.

FAQ

What is para-cresyl propionaldehyde and its main characteristics?

para-Cresyl propionaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O. It is commonly recognized for its floral odor profile reminiscent of heliotrope, lilac, and lily. The compound occurs naturally in cinnamon bark oil and is known by various synonyms including 4-methylbenzenepropanal and p-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde. Its moderate boiling point and vapor pressure support its use primarily as a fragrance ingredient, although its application is subject to regulatory limits.

Where does para-cresyl propionaldehyde occur and how is it used?

This compound naturally occurs in cinnamon bark oil, contributing to its characteristic scent profile. Within the fragrance industry, para-cresyl propionaldehyde is utilized for its floral and spicy olfactory notes, including cinnamon and heliotrope nuances. Despite its aroma qualities, it is not used for flavoring purposes. Usage in perfuming agents is regulated and limited due to dermal sensitization potential, restricting its inclusion in consumer products.

What are the regulatory considerations and sourcing guidelines for para-cresyl propionaldehyde?

Regulatory bodies such as the IFRA (International Fragrance Association, Global) classify para-cresyl propionaldehyde with restrictions on allowable concentrations in fragrance formulations, primarily due to concerns regarding dermal sensitization. The compound is generally prohibited for use as a fragrance ingredient in leave-on and wash-off products above low threshold levels. Sourcing typically involves either extraction from natural cinnamon bark oil or chemical synthesis. Industry standards require adherence to these guidelines to ensure safe use in consumer products.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Literature & References

	3-(4-methylphenyl)propanal
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	5406-12-2
Pubchem (cid):	64812
Pubchem (sid):	135021549

Publications by US Patents
8,188,023 - 4-alkyl cyclohexanepropanal compounds and their use in perfume compositions
4-alkyl 1-(3-methoxy-2-propen-1-yl) benzene compounds and their use in perfume compositions

Other Information

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

General Material Information

Preferred name	para-cresyl propionaldehyde
Trivial Name	4-Methylbenzenepropanal
Short Description	4-methylbenzenepropanal
Formula	C10 H12 O
CAS Number	5406-12-2
ECHA Number	226-460-4
FDA UNII	1RMD883W6C
Nikkaji Number	J217.968G
MDL	MFCD04112993
xLogP3-AA	2.00 (est)
Bio Activity Summary	External link
NMR Predictor	External link
Synonyms	benzenepropanal, 4-methyl- 3-p- cresyl propanal 3-para- cresyl propanal p- cresyl propionaldehyde para- cresyl propionaldehyde 3-p- cresyl propionaldeyde 3-para- cresyl propionaldeyde hydrocinnamaldehyde, p-methyl- 4-methyl benzene propanal 4-methyl hydrocinnamaldehyde p- methyl hydrocinnamaldehyde para- methyl hydrocinnamaldehyde para- methyl hydrocinnamic aldehyde 3-(4-methyl phenyl) propanal 3-(p- methyl phenyl) propanal 3-(para- methyl phenyl) propanal 3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-propionaldehyde 4-methylbenzenepropanal p- methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde 3-(4-methylphenyl)propanal 3-(p- methylphenyl)propanal 3-(4-methylphenyl)propionaldehyde 3-p- tolyl propionaldehyde 3-para- tolyl propionaldehyde 3-p- tolyl-propionaldehyde 3-p- tolylpropionaldehyde 3-(4-methylphenyl)propanal 4-Methylbenzenepropanal p-Methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde 3-p-Tolylpropanal 3-(p-Methylphenyl)propanal NSC 5304 3-(p-Tolyl)propionaldehyde 3-(4-Methylphenyl)propionaldehyde

Suppliers

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PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex	No
Molecular weight	148.20483398438
Boiling Point	222 to 223°C @ 760 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure	0.088 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value	100 °C TCC
logP (o/w)	2.58
Solubility
alcohol	Yes
water, 483.4 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)	Yes
water	No

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Floral
heliotrope, lily, lilac
General comment	At 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. heliotrope lily lilac

Occurrences

Potential Uses

Applications	information only not used for fragrances or flavors
Odor purposes	Cinnamon , Heliotrope , Lilac , Lily
Cosmetic purposes	Perfuming agents

Safety Information

Safety information


Hazards identification

Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements

Pictogram

Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
information only not used for fragrances or flavors
IFRA Critical Effect:
Dermal sensitization
	View the IFRA Standard
limits in the finished product for - "leave on the skin contact":
	0.2000 % Restriction.
limits in the finished product for - "wash off the skin contact":
	0.2000 % Restriction.
limits in the finished product for - "no skin contact":
	2.0000 % Restriction.
Recommendation for para-cresyl propionaldehyde usage levels up to:
	PROHIBITED: Should not be used as a fragrance ingredient.

Recommendation for para-cresyl propionaldehyde flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.