For chemists engaged in organic synthesis, identifying versatile and reactive building blocks is fundamental to creating complex molecules. Ethyl Cinnamate (CAS 103-36-6) stands out as a valuable intermediate due to its unique combination of an ester functional group, an alkene, and an aromatic ring, all conjugated in a way that offers multiple avenues for chemical transformation. This article highlights the synthetic utility of Ethyl Cinnamate and its applications in modern organic chemistry for B2B clients and researchers.

Chemical Structure and Reactivity

Ethyl Cinnamate is the ethyl ester of cinnamic acid. Its chemical structure, C6H5-CH=CH-COOCH2CH3, provides several reactive sites that chemists can exploit:

  • Alkene (C=C) Reactivity: The carbon-carbon double bond is electrophilic due to conjugation with the ester group, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack (e.g., Michael additions). It can also undergo addition reactions such as catalytic hydrogenation (to form ethyl 3-phenylpropionate), halogenation, and epoxidation.
  • Ester (COOEt) Reactivity: The ester group can be hydrolyzed under acidic or basic conditions to yield cinnamic acid. It can also undergo transesterification to form different cinnamate esters or reduction to cinnamyl alcohol.
  • Aromatic Ring: The phenyl ring can participate in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, allowing for the introduction of various substituents onto the ring, albeit often requiring specific catalysts and conditions to manage regioselectivity.

This diverse reactivity profile makes Ethyl Cinnamate a foundational molecule for constructing a wide array of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, and specialty fine chemicals.

Key Synthetic Transformations and Applications

Chemists frequently utilize Ethyl Cinnamate in various synthetic strategies:

  • Michael Addition: As a good Michael acceptor, it readily reacts with nucleophiles such as malonates, amines, and thiols, forming new carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. This is a cornerstone reaction for building carbon skeletons.
  • Hydrogenation: Catalytic hydrogenation of the double bond yields saturated compounds like ethyl 3-phenylpropionate, which can be further modified.
  • Synthesis of Heterocycles: Ethyl Cinnamate can be a precursor in the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds, which are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
  • Polymerization: Certain derivatives or modifications of Ethyl Cinnamate can be used as monomers or co-monomers in polymerization reactions.

When undertaking complex syntheses, the purity of the starting materials is critical. Our company, as a reliable manufacturer and supplier of Ethyl Cinnamate, ensures high purity levels (typically >98%) and consistent quality. This allows researchers and industrial chemists to achieve predictable and reproducible results in their synthetic efforts. We encourage B2B clients to buy Ethyl Cinnamate from us to leverage its versatility in their next project.

For those in research and development or manufacturing, securing a dependable source for Ethyl Cinnamate is essential. We are equipped to supply this key building block in various quantities, offering competitive pricing and quality assurance. Partner with us for your Ethyl Cinnamate needs and accelerate your synthetic chemistry endeavors.