3-Hexenyl phenylacetate (CAS 42436-07-07) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Hexenyl phenylacetate
CAS 42436-07-07
What Is 3-Hexenyl phenylacetate?
3-Hexenyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that mimics the fresh, green aroma of crushed leaves and stems. You’ll encounter it in modern perfumes, especially those aiming for a crisp, vegetal character. This molecule matters because it provides perfumers with a stable, consistent green note that doesn’t fade quickly like natural leaf absolutes, allowing for longer-lasting fresh accords in fragrances.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-Hexenyl phenylacetate Smell Like?
3-Hexenyl phenylacetate bursts with an intensely green, sappy aroma reminiscent of freshly cut grass stems and broken tomato leaves. The initial sharpness evolves into a smoother, honeyed green character with subtle floral undertones. Unlike more volatile leaf alcohols, this ester maintains its vegetal personality throughout the dry-down, blending particularly well with citrus and white florals to create modern, dewy-green compositions. The phenylacetate moiety adds a faint sweet-powdery nuance that prevents the greenness from becoming harsh or metallic.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to create the illusion of rain-drenched vegetation, contributing to the fragrance’s aquatic-green signature alongside calone and ginger.
Provides a crisp, living green counterpoint to the violet leaf and sandalwood, enhancing the fragrance’s aristocratic freshness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Hexenyl phenylacetate is an ester formed from phenylacetic acid and leaf alcohol (3-hexen-1-ol). As a synthetic material, it’s typically produced via esterification under acidic conditions. The molecule combines the green volatility of the hexenyl group with the stability and tenacity of the phenylacetate moiety. While not found in nature, its components occur widely in plants, making it a biomimetic fragrance material.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~280 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~1.0 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Green note modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Freshness booster |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to extend the longevity of natural green notes like galbanum or stemone.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under current IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in fragrance based on RIFM’s assessment of structurally similar materials.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3-Hexenyl phenylacetate offers consistent quality without agricultural variability. Its production avoids the land-use issues associated with harvesting natural green materials. However, like all synthetic esters, it relies on petrochemical feedstocks, though the quantities used in fragrance are minimal.
Explore 3-Hexenyl phenylacetate
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.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data error
![Ethanone, 1-(4,11,11,-trimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-enyl)-[1R-(1a,4E,9b] (CAS 70801-04-06) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethanone-1-1-11-768x439.webp)
