5-Hexen-2-one (CAS 109-49-9) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Floral

5-Hexen-2-one

CAS 109-49-9

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 5-Hexen-2-one?

5-Hexen-2-one is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a green, fruity aroma. It’s primarily used in perfumery to add fresh, leafy nuances. You’ll encounter it in some modern citrus and floral fragrances where a crisp, natural greenness is desired.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions
Limited safety data available
CAS
109-49-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 5-Hexen-2-one Smell Like?

5-Hexen-2-one delivers a sharp, green burst reminiscent of freshly crushed leaves with a subtle fruity undertone. The initial impression is intensely verdant, like the snap of a green apple stem, evolving into a cleaner, more ethereal green character. As it dries down, it maintains a crisp freshness without becoming harsh, making it useful for adding naturalistic green accents in floral compositions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

5-Hexen-2-one

SMILES: CC(=O)CCC=C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

5-Hexen-2-one is an unsaturated ketone with the molecular formula C6H10O. It’s synthesized through oxidation of corresponding alcohols or controlled pyrolysis of fatty acids. The molecule features a reactive double bond that contributes to its green character. As a synthetic material, it’s produced under controlled conditions to ensure purity and consistency.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Green modifier
Functional Fragrance0.05-0.2%Up to 0.5%Freshness booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering green notes in delicate compositions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Leaf Alcohol CAS 928-96-1

For a more intense green character without fruity aspects

2
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate CAS 3681-71-8

When a softer, more diffusive green note is needed

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Limited safety assessment available. Considered safe at current usage levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 5-Hexen-2-one has minimal environmental impact in production. Its efficient synthesis from petrochemical precursors makes it a sustainable choice compared to some natural green materials that require extensive agricultural resources.

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References

    Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 109-49-9

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight98.14 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)1🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point128.5 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure10.5003 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point23.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index1.1424💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-2.589💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC(=O)CCC=C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassFast💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score0.5 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Primary Descriptorsburntetherealfloralfruitypungent• leffingwell
    Functional Groupsketonealkene💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    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: DTXSID0059372

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 98.145 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.84 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 129 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point -57.895 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 23.683 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.409 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 119.789 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 1.02 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 1.011 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 1.011 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 3.65 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.211 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 10.5 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 0.516 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 25.073 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 145.345 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 29.601 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 11.735 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.

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