White (colorless) crystals. M.P. 74°C.
Very slightly soluble in water, soluble in
alcohol and oils.
Coniferyl alcohol was used as a fungal growth inhibitor.
ChEBI: A phenylpropanoid that is one of the main monolignols, produced by the reduction of the carboxy functional group in cinnamic acid and the addition of a hydroxy and a methoxy substituent to the aromatic ring.
CONIFERYL ALCOHOL can polymerize with weak mineral acids and
certain organic acids, turning into an amorphous, odorless gum.
This chemical could find extensive use as a
fixative and blender in various types of floral,
balsamic and Oriental fragrances. However,
it is not generally available in the state of chemical or olfactory purity desirable to the
perfumer.
Coniferyl alcohol is one of the preferred substrate of the eucalpytus globus enzyme.
It is soluble in EtOH and insoluble in H2O. It can, however, be recrystallised from EtOH and distilled in a vacuum. It polymerises in dilute acid. The benzoyl derivative has m 95-96o (from pet ether), and the tosylate has m 66o. [Derivatives: Freudenberg & Achtzehn Chem Ber 88 10 1955, UV: Herzog & Hillmer Chem Ber 64 1288 1931, Beilstein 6 II 1093.]
