3,6-Nonadien-1-ol (CAS 76649-25-7) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3,6-Nonadien-1-ol
CAS 76649-25-7
What Is 3,6-Nonadien-1-ol?
3,6-Nonadien-1-ol is a synthetic fragrance molecule that creates fresh, green, cucumber-like aromas. It’s found in fine fragrances, body care products, and air fresheners where a crisp, watery green note is desired. This ingredient matters because it can recreate the smell of freshly cut cucumbers and melons without using natural extracts, making fragrances more consistent and sustainable.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3,6-Nonadien-1-ol Smell Like?
3,6-Nonadien-1-ol bursts with the crisp, watery freshness of just-sliced cucumbers still dewy from the garden. The initial impression is like biting into a honeydew melon at peak ripeness – all green sweetness without the sugar. As it evolves, the scent develops a slightly grassy undertone reminiscent of crushed vine leaves, maintaining its cool aquatic character throughout. In drydown, a subtle waxy nuance emerges, like the rind of a cantaloupe left in the sun, making it particularly useful for creating naturalistic fruit and vegetable accords.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to create the photorealistic green mango and crushed vine leaves effect in this Jean-Claude Ellena masterpiece. The cucumber-melon aspect blends seamlessly with grapefruit and tomato leaf for a watery garden effect.
Contributes to the famously refreshing melon-watery accord that defines this 90s classic. Works with lotus and freesia to create an airy, dewy freshness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3,6-Nonadien-1-ol is an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol with two double bonds at the 3 and 6 positions. Though occasionally found in trace amounts in cucumber and melon extracts, it’s almost exclusively produced synthetically for perfumery. Industrial synthesis typically involves the hydroformylation of 1,3-butadiene followed by selective hydrogenation. The (Z)-isomer is particularly important for its superior odor characteristics, demonstrating how minor structural changes can dramatically impact olfactory properties in these types of aliphatic compounds.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~190-200 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.85 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | For fresh top notes |
| Body Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds shower-fresh character |
| Functional Products | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Air fresheners and detergents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the cucumber aspect from becoming too vegetal.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More intense cucumber character with aldehyde sharpness. Use when a stronger, more diffusive effect is needed.
For sweeter cantaloupe effects. Better stability in alkaline formulations compared to nonadienol.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards. Classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for fragrance use.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with no sensitization concerns.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3,6-Nonadien-1-ol offers a sustainable alternative to natural cucumber extracts which require large amounts of biomass. Modern production methods have optimized atom economy in its synthesis. Being highly potent, only small quantities are needed to achieve the desired effect, reducing environmental load compared to natural alternatives.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439856333
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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