cinnamic acid

nounChemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C9H8O2, usually obtained from cinnamon or synthesized: used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines.

Origin of cinnamic acid

First recorded in 1880–85

Words Nearby cinnamic acid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cinnamic acid in a sentence

By the addition of diluted sulphuric acid, the aldehyde of cinnamic acid is afterwards procured pure.
The Art of Perfumery | G. W. Septimus Piesse
With fatty acids and acid anhydrides it gives the “Perkin” reaction (see cinnamic acid).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 | Various
An isomer of cinnamic acid known as allo-cinnamic acid is also known.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 | Various
Wolff has converted this alcohol by oxidizing agents into cinnamic acid.
The Art of Perfumery | G. W. Septimus Piesse
On exposure they rapidly absorb cinnamic acid, two resins and water.
The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom | P. L. Simmonds

British Dictionary definitions for cinnamic acid

cinnamic acid

/ (sɪˈnæmɪk) /

noun

a white crystalline water-insoluble weak organic acid existing in two isomeric forms; 3-phenylpropenoic acid. The trans- form occurs naturally and its esters are used in perfumery. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH:CHCOOH

Origin of cinnamic acid

C19: from cinnam (on) + -ic; from its being found in cinnamon oil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cinnamic acid

cinnamic acid

[ sə-năm′ĭk ]

A white crystalline organic acid obtained from cinnamon or from balsams, or made synthetically. It is used to manufacture perfumery compounds. Chemical formula: C9H8O2.

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