Hexenyl acetate is an organic compound used predominantly as a fragrance and flavoring agent. It is an ester derived from hexenal and acetic acid. This compound is recognized for its fresh, fruity, and green aroma, which is utilized in a variety of applications, including in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Hexenyl acetate has the following chemical composition:

Hexenal: A six-carbon aldehyde (C6H10O) that contributes to the compound’s green, fruity note.
Acetic Acid: A two-carbon carboxylic acid (CH3COOH) that reacts with hexenal to form hexenyl acetate.

The structure of hexenyl acetate is characterized by:

Ester Functional Group: Formed from the reaction between the hydroxyl group of acetic acid and the carbonyl group of hexenal.
Molecular Formula: C8H14O2. The structure includes a six-carbon chain (hexyl group) attached to an ester group (–COO–), contributing to its distinctive fruity and green aroma.

Physical Properties

Hexenyl acetate is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It has a fresh, green, fruity, and slightly woody scent, reminiscent of freshly cut grass or green apples. The compound is soluble in alcohol and oils but insoluble in water. It has a moderate boiling point, making it suitable for use in a variety of formulations.

Production Process

The production of hexenyl acetate involves:

Synthesis: Hexenyl acetate is produced via esterification, a chemical reaction where hexenal reacts with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid.
Distillation: The reaction mixture is then distilled to separate hexenyl acetate from other by-products and residual reactants.
Purification: Further purification processes are applied to remove any impurities, ensuring the final product meets quality standards.
Formulation: The purified hexenyl acetate is incorporated into various products, including fragrances, flavorings, and cosmetics.

Applications

Hexenyl acetate is used in:

Fragrances: Incorporated into perfumes and scented products to impart a fresh, green, and fruity aroma.
Cosmetics: Added to personal care products to enhance their fragrance profile.
Flavorings: Used in food and beverage products to provide a fruity, green flavor.
Household Products: Employed in air fresheners and cleaning products for its pleasant scent.

Safety

Hexenyl acetate is generally considered safe for use in fragrances and flavorings when used in recommended concentrations. It should be handled according to safety guidelines to prevent any potential irritation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The production of hexenyl acetate should follow environmentally responsible practices to minimize impact. Efficient synthesis and purification methods are important to reduce waste. The compound should be properly managed to ensure safe use and handling in its various applications.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.
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CAS: 3681-71-8 2497-18-9 EC number 222-960-1 219-680-7