3-Hexen-1-ol (isomer unspecified) (CAS 0544-12-7) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Hexen-1-ol (isomer unspecified)
CAS 0544-12-7
What Is 3-Hexen-1-ol (isomer unspecified)?
3-Hexen-1-ol is a green-smelling alcohol used in perfumes and flavorings. You’ll encounter it in fresh-cut grass scents, herbal fragrances, and some fruity flavor compositions. This molecule matters because it’s one of the key chemicals that creates the unmistakable scent of crushed green leaves and freshly mown lawns.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-Hexen-1-ol (isomer unspecified) Smell Like?
3-Hexen-1-ol bursts with intense green freshness – imagine snapping a celery stalk or crushing mint leaves between your fingers. The initial impression is sharply vegetative, like the juice from freshly cut grass with a slightly waxy undertone. As it evolves, the green character softens into a cleaner, more cucumber-like wateriness. The dry-down reveals subtle fruity nuances reminiscent of unripe bananas, though the dominant character remains firmly in the realm of crushed foliage.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as part of the legendary green accord that recreates the sensation of a spring breeze through leaves.
Provides the wet-green character that mimics vegetation after rainfall.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Hexen-1-ol is an unsaturated six-carbon alcohol with the double bond at position 3. The cis isomer (leaf alcohol) occurs naturally in many plants as part of their defense mechanism when damaged. Industrially, it’s synthesized through the selective hydrogenation of 3-hexyn-1-ol or via Grignard reactions. The cis isomer is more odor-potent than the trans form, though commercial material is often a mixture. The molecule’s reactivity makes it useful for creating esters and other derivatives in perfumery.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 156-157 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.85 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 46 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.438 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Green top note modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Freshness booster |
| Flavor | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Green/fruity notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts with citrus oils to create dewy morning effects.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More fruity-green character with better stability in alkaline formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Listed on Annex I of the European Commission database.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
While naturally occurring, most commercial 3-hexen-1-ol is synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks. Some producers offer bio-based versions derived from vegetable oils. The molecule’s biodegradability makes it environmentally favorable compared to more persistent aroma chemicals.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 0544-12-7Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 100.16 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.3🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.388💻 Calculated |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.3378 ppm (n=2)📖 van Gemert |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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