α-Methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde (CAS 101-39-3)

α-Methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde is an organic compound that is a derivative of cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for the aroma of cinnamon. The structural modification in α-methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde includes the addition of a methyl group at the alpha position of the cinnamaldehyde molecule, which significantly alters its chemical properties and reactivity. This compound is particularly noted for its role in organic synthesis, serving as an intermediate in the production of various fine chemicals. The presence of the conjugated aldehyde group and the additional methyl group enhances its electrophilic character, making it more reactive towards nucleophiles. This property is exploited in different types of aldol condensation reactions, where α-methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde can be used to form new carbon-carbon bonds, leading to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. In research, this compound has been utilized in studies focused on understanding the mechanisms of flavor compound synthesis and stabilization, as well as in the exploration of natural product analogs that can contribute to various industrial applications. These studies often investigate how modifications in molecular structure can impact the physical, aromatic, and reactive properties of a molecule, thereby influencing its utility in broader chemical synthesis contexts.