Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester (CAS 104986-28-9) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Citrus

Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester

CAS 104986-28-9

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

What Is Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester?

Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fruity, tropical nuances to perfumes and body care products. You’ll encounter it in tropical fruit-flavored candies, exotic perfumes, and some sun care products. This ester compound matters because it helps recreate the juicy sweetness of tropical fruits without using natural extracts, making fragrances more consistent and sustainable.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions at typical usage levels
Potential mild skin sensitivity at high concentrations
CAS
104986-28-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester Smell Like?

This ester bursts with a vibrant, tropical fruit basket aroma—imagine ripe guava and passionfruit dripping with nectar. The top note has a slightly green, sappy edge that quickly mellows into a lush, creamy sweetness reminiscent of mango flesh. As it dries down, a subtle vanilla-like warmth emerges, lingering like the aftertaste of tropical fruit juice. The overall effect is sun-drenched and mouthwatering, with none of the cloying syrupiness of simpler fruit notes.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Virgin Island Water(Creed, 2007)

Used here to amplify the coconut-lime cocktail effect, adding a fleshy tropical fruit dimension that makes the citrus more dimensional. Blends seamlessly with the rum accord.

Soleil Blanc(Tom Ford, 2016)

Provides the sun-ripened fruit core that bridges the coconut and floral notes. Creates the illusion of suntan oil dripping with fruit juice.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester belongs to the ester class of compounds, synthesized through esterification reactions between hexanoic acid derivatives and ethanol. The acetyloxy group at the 6-position introduces additional complexity to the molecular structure, creating unique fruity-herbaceous odor characteristics not found in simpler esters. While not found in nature, its odor profile mimics combinations of tropical fruit esters like ethyl hexanoate and hexyl acetate.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointApprox. 210-220 °C (estimated)
Density~0.95 g/cm³ (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with fruit, coconut, citrus
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-3%Up to 5%Tropical fruit modifier
Body Care0.1-1%Up to 2%Adds juicy character
Candles0.5-2%Up to 3%Heat-stable tropical note

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the tropical character from becoming too heavy.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl hexanoate CAS 123-66-0

Simpler pineapple-like ester when a less complex fruit note is needed. More volatile with brighter top notes.

2
Hexyl acetate CAS 142-92-7

For greener, less sweet fruity effects. Works better in pear and apple compositions.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific usage limits established.

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM assessment found. Generally regarded as safe at typical fragrance use levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ester avoids agricultural land use associated with natural tropical fruit extracts. Production typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes may be possible through fermentation-derived alcohols. Biodegradability is expected to be moderate based on ester structure.

Explore Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439856333

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

Report a data error

Similar Posts