Methyl cinnamate
Methyl cinnamate is the methyl ester of cinnamic acid and is a white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor. It is found naturally in a variety of plants, including in fruits, like strawberry, and some culinary spices, such as Sichuan pepper and some varieties of basil. Eucalyptus olida has the highest known concentrations of methyl cinnamate with a 2–6% fresh weight yield in the leaf and twigs.
Methyl cinnamate is used in the flavor and perfume industries. The flavor is fruity and strawberry-like; and the odor is sweet, balsamic with fruity odor, reminiscent of cinnamon and strawberry.
It is known to attract males of various orchid bees, such as Aglae caerulea.
List of plants that contain the chemical
Eucalyptus olida 'Strawberry Gum'Ocotea quixos South American Cinnamon, IshpingoOcimum americanum cv. Purple Lovingly Ocimum americanum cv. Purple Castle Ocimum americanum cv. Purple Long-legged Ocimum americanum cv. Clove Ocimum basilicum cv. Sweet Castle Ocimum basilicum cv. White Compact Ocimum basilicum cv. large green leaves Ocimum micranthum cv. Cinnamon Ocimum minimum cv. Little Virgin Ocimum minimum cv. Purple Virgin Ocimum sp. cv. Purple ruffle Ocimum sp. cv. White Ruffle Stanhopea embreei, an orchidToxicology and safety
Moderately toxic by ingestion. The oral for rats is 2610 mg/kg.It is combustible as a liquid, and when heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.