Ethyl 3-hexenoate (CAS 2396-83-0) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Ethyl 3-hexenoate
CAS 2396-83-0
What Is Ethyl 3-hexenoate?
Ethyl 3-hexenoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly found in fruity and floral perfumes. It imparts a fresh, green, and slightly fruity aroma, often used to enhance natural scents. This ester is valued for its ability to add a crisp, juicy quality to fragrances, making it popular in summer and daytime scents where a light, uplifting character is desired.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Ethyl 3-hexenoate Smell Like?
Ethyl 3-hexenoate bursts with a vibrant, green-fruity opening reminiscent of freshly crushed green apples and unripe kiwi. The top note carries a slightly tart, effervescent quality that evolves into a softer, more rounded heart with hints of pear and melon. As it dries down, it leaves a whisper of dewy leaves and a clean, slightly sweet finish. The overall effect is crisp and refreshing, like walking through an orchard after a summer rain.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here for its energizing green-fruity facets that complement the citrus and herbal notes, creating a revitalizing tonic-like effect.
Provides the juicy green mango accord that defines this fragrance, blending seamlessly with grapefruit and lotus for a watery freshness.
Contributes to the crisp apple note that forms the fragrance’s signature sparkling Mediterranean character alongside citrus and bamboo.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCOC(=O)CC=CCC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Ethyl 3-hexenoate is an unsaturated ester formed by the condensation of ethanol and 3-hexenoic acid. Industrially, it’s typically synthesized via acid-catalyzed esterification. The (Z)-isomer (cis-3-hexenoate) is more commonly used in perfumery due to its superior odor characteristics. Being an α,β-unsaturated ester, it’s relatively stable but can undergo hydrolysis under strongly alkaline conditions. The double bond at position 3 contributes to its fresh green character while the ethyl ester group provides fruity sweetness.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~170-175°C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.89 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Adds fruity-green freshness |
| Functional Products | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | For shower gels and shampoos |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to extend their freshness and prevent harshness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
The Z-isomer has a more intense green character preferred for naturalistic effects.
For a simpler, sweeter fruity note 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. Listed on IFRA Transparency List.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current use levels based on RIFM evaluation.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, Ethyl 3-hexenoate has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural alternatives. It’s typically produced from petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes using fermentation-derived ethanol are being explored. Its efficient use at low concentrations makes it a sustainable choice for green-fruity effects.
Explore Ethyl 3-hexenoate
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID2062377
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 142.198 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.899 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 166.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -61.084 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 58.063 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.433 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 157.686 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.38 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.38 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.38 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.5 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.013 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 1.802 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 0.883 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 26.739 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 138.369 mW/(m*K)📊 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 | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 40.944 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 16.232 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.
