cinnamic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C 9 H 8 O 2 , usually obtained from cinnamon or synthesized: used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines.

cinnamic acid

/ sɪˈnæmɪk /

noun

1. 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

cinnamic acid

/ sə-năm′ĭk /

1. A white crystalline organic acid obtained from cinnamon or from balsams, or made synthetically. It is used to manufacture perfumery compounds. Chemical formula: C 9 H 8 O 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamic acid¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamic acid¹

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

Example Sentences

A great variety of substances pass under this name, but the term is now usually restricted to resins which, in addition to a volatile oil, contain benzoic and cinnamic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Coumarin, the anhydride of cinnamic acid,; is an example of an acid substance which is classed as an essential oil, even though it is a solid at ordinary temperatures.

From Project Gutenberg

By heating benzal chloride with dry sodium acetate there is formed an acid known as cinnamic acid, a fragrant compound which derives its name from cinnamon, because the acid was prepared by the oxidation of oil of cinnamon by Dumas and Peligot in 1834.

From Project Gutenberg

Cinnamic acid crystallizes in needles or prisms, melting at 133�C; on reduction it gives phenyl propionic acid, C6H5.CH2.CH2.COOH.

From Project Gutenberg

An isomer of cinnamic acid known as allo-cinnamic acid is also known.

From Project Gutenberg