Compounds · Esters · Phenylpropanoid pathway
Methyl cinnamate
Also known as Methyl 3-phenylacrylate — an analysis may use any of these names
Sweet cinnamon, strawberry, slightly resinous. Softer than cinnamaldehyde and less hot.
- CAS
- 103-26-4
- Formula
- C10H10O2
- Molar mass
- 162.19
- Odour threshold
- —
- Boiling point
- ≈ 263 °C at atmospheric pressure
Volatility
150 °C290 °C
Where it comes from
Biosynthetic pathway: Phenylpropanoid pathway — plants build them around a six-carbon aromatic ring.
Why it sits where it does
An aromatic ester with a benzene ring and a propenoate chain — a large molecule, so it boils at around 263 degrees.
Where else you meet it
Galangal, Thai basil, and some orchids.