Cinnamic Acid

Other names: Cinnamic acid, 3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Cinnamic acid, also known by the chemical names Cinnamic Acid or 3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid, is a carboxylic acid found in cinnamon and some other plant species. This acid is of considerable importance in natural and artificial processes. It is characterized by its aromatic, slightly sour but also sweet smell, which is reminiscent of the smell of cinnamon. It has a white to yellowish colour and a crystalline solid structure.

Cinnamic acid is used in many industries. It is an important ingredient in perfumery, where it is used to produce various fragrances. Its sweet and spicy scent is often associated with warm, exotic or Christmas scents and is therefore also widely used in the manufacture of candles or aromatherapy products. In addition to perfumery, it is also used in the food industry. Its sweet taste is particularly popular in the confectionery industry, where it is added to some recipes for Christmas cakes, gingerbread or drinks. In the pharmaceutical industry, cinnamic acid is used in the production of some medicines. Finally, it is also a component of some types of herbicides and fungicides in agriculture.