3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester (CAS 50652-80-7) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester
CAS 50652-80-7
What Is 3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester?
3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add fruity, green nuances. It’s found in various personal care products and fine fragrances. This ester contributes a fresh, slightly unripe fruit character that perfumers use to create naturalistic effects in floral and citrus compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester Smell Like?
This ester delivers a crisp, green-fruity aroma reminiscent of unripe apples and freshly cut stems. The opening is sharply verdant with a tart, almost lactic undertone that evolves into a smoother fruity heart. As it dries down, it reveals subtle woody-musky facets that provide excellent diffusion. The overall effect is like walking through an orchard just before harvest – green, slightly acidic, with the promise of ripening sweetness.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to enhance the crisp green tea impression, adding a vegetal freshness that complements the citrus top notes and floral heart.
Contributes to the green mango accord, providing tartness and unripe fruit character that defines this fragrance’s unique opening.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCC(C)=CC(=O)OC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Methyl-2-hexenoic acid methyl ester belongs to the ester class of organic compounds, specifically an unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester. It’s produced through esterification of 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid with methanol. The double bond at position 2 creates geometric isomerism (E/Z), with the E-isomer typically being more odor-active. This structural feature contributes to its green, fruity character.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 180-190°C (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Green-fruity modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Freshness booster |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to add lift to fruity-floral compositions without dominating the blend.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a sweeter, more pronounced fruity character without the green aspects.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
No specific RIFM assessment found for this material.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact. Being petroleum-derived, its sustainability depends on energy-efficient manufacturing processes and potential future bio-based production routes.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID80341584
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 142.198 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.914 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 170.755 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | -32.914 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 63.153 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.431 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 157.488 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.527 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.527 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.527 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.42 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.021 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 1.163 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 27.437 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 40.787 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 16.169 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.
