Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is a chemical compound, the ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and methoxycinnamic acid.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Ethylhexyl refers to the ethylhexyl group,  a branched alkyl group derived from 2-ethylhexanol, a compound of 8 carbon atoms.
• Methoxycinnamate refers to the methoxy ester of cinnamic acid. Cinnamic acid is a white crystalline compound slightly soluble in water, and methoxy refers to the presence of a methoxy group (-OCH₃).

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Preparation of precursors. The main precursors for the synthesis of Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate are typically 2-ethylhexanol and methoxycinnamic acid.
• Esterification reaction. Precursors react together in an esterification reaction. This leads to the formation of an ester bond between the carboxyl group of methoxycinnamic acid and the hydroxyl group of 2-ethylhexanol. The reaction is typically catalyzed by an acid and involves heating the reagents to promote the reaction.
• Purification. The reaction mixture is purified to isolate Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. This typically involves processes such as distillation, filtration, and drying.
• Quality control test. The final product is tested to ensure it meets the required specifications with purity testing, UV absorption properties and other physical and chemical properties.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

UV filter. It is the defining ingredient in sun creams that can mitigate the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a high risk factor for the development of skin cancer, erythema and photo-ageing. 

UV absorber. It acts by intercepting ultraviolet light before it can cause damage by reducing its energy through dissipation and returning it to a lower energy state.

Light stabilizer. It prevents light from degrading light-sensitive components and slows down degradation reactions that have already begun. The mechanism is, in a way, similar to antioxidants and the effectiveness depends on the.complexity of the formulation and the density of the product.

This substance is used in the following products: adhesives and sealants

• coating products
• fillers
• putties
• plasters
• modelling clay
• air care products
• biocides
• disinfectants
• pest control products
• polishes and waxes and washing & cleaning products

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₂₆O₃

Molecular Weight: 290.403 g/mol

UNII: 4Y5P7MUD51

CAS: 83834-59-7  5466-77-3

EC Number: 629-661-9  226-775-7

FEMA Number:

Synonyms:

• Octinoxate
• 2-Propenoic acid, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, 2-ethylhexyl ester, (2E)-
• 4-Methoxycinnamic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
• 2-Ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate
• 2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate
• Parsol
• 2-Ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate
• 2-Ethylhexyl trans-4-methoxycinnamate
• p-Methoxyzimtsaure-2-ethylhexylester
• Escalol
• Neo Heliopan
• 2-Propenoic acid, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, 2-ethylhexyl ester
• Ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate
• 2-Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
• 2-ethylhexyl (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate
• Uvinul MC80
• 3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester
• 4-Methoxycinnamic Acid Octyl Ester
• 2-Ethylhex-1-yl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylate
• Escalol 557
• 2-ethylhexyl (2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate
• Uvinul MC 80
• UvinulT MC 80 N
• 2-Ethylhex-1-yl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate
• 2-ethylhexyl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoate
• 3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester
• 2-Ethylhexyl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylate
• 2-Ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
• (E)-2-Ethylhexyl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylate
• Octyl 4-methoxycinnamic acid
• Octyl methoxycinnamate