Benzyl cinnamate

Benzyl cinnamate is the chemical compound which is the ester derived from cinnamic acid and benzyl alcohol. Benzyl cinnamate is the chemical compound which is the ester derived from cinnamic acid and benzyl alcohol. Benzyl cinnamate occurs in Balsam of Peru and Tolu balsam, in Sumatra and Penang benzoin, and as the main constituent of copaiba balsam. Benzyl cinnamate can be prepared by heating benzyl chloride and excess sodium cinnamate in water to 100–115 °C or by heating sodium cinnamate with an excess of benzyl chloride in the presence of diethylamine. Benzyl cinnamate is used in heavy oriental perfumes and as a fixative. It is used as a flavoring agent.