3-Hexenoic acid, (3E)- (CAS 1577-18-0) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-_Hexenoic acid, (3E)_-
CAS 1577-18-0
What Is 3-_Hexenoic acid, (3E)_-?
3-Hexenoic acid is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add green, fruity nuances to perfumes and scented products. You might encounter it in fresh floral compositions or as a subtle modifier in citrus colognes. This molecule matters because it contributes to the crisp, unripe fruit character that makes many modern fragrances smell vibrant and natural, despite being synthetically produced.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-_Hexenoic acid, (3E)_- Smell Like?
3-Hexenoic acid delivers a sharp, green impression reminiscent of crushed grape leaves and unripe apples. The initial burst carries a slightly fatty, waxy undertone that quickly evolves into a cleaner, more diffusive character. As it dries down, it leaves behind a subtle fruity nuance – think green banana peel or the tartness of underripe stone fruits. The (3E)- configuration contributes to its brighter, more piercing quality compared to the (3Z)- isomer.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC\C=C\CC(O)=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Hexenoic acid belongs to the class of unsaturated fatty acids, specifically a C6 carboxylic acid with a trans double bond at position 3. While trace amounts may occur naturally in some fruits, commercial production typically involves oxidation of corresponding alcohols or controlled pyrolysis of ricinoleic acid derivatives. The (3E)- configuration is favored in perfumery for its more pronounced green character compared to the cis isomer.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | Approx. 205-210 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Density | Approx. 0.93 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used as green modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | For fresh green notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in citrus compositions to add naturalistic green depth without overwhelming the freshness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More intense, cheesy-green character suitable for tropical fruit accords where stronger impact is desired.
Softer, more floral-green profile for delicate compositions requiring less sharpness.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not currently evaluated by RIFM but structurally similar to approved short-chain unsaturated acids.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Typical synthesis routes from petrochemical feedstocks raise some environmental concerns, though the material is used in such small quantities that overall impact is minimal. Future bio-based production methods may improve sustainability profile.
Explore 3-_Hexenoic acid, (3E)_-
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1577-18-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 114.14 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 208 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.1479 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 106.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0149💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.544💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCC=CCC(=O)O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 1 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Functional Groups | alkene💻 RDKit |
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.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID10883700
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 114.144 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.999 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 208 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 11.333 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 106.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.456 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 115.816 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.403 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | -0.119 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | -1.971 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.77 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.128 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.104 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.73 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 30.318 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 147.555 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 37.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 31.468 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.475 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
