Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester (CAS 104986-28-9) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Hexanoic acid, 6-(acetyloxy)-, ethyl ester
CAS 104986-28-9
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 SAFEWhat 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.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
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.
Provides the sun-ripened fruit core that bridges the coconut and floral notes. Creates the illusion of suntan oil dripping with fruit juice.
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
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 210-220 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.95 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Tropical fruit modifier |
| Body Care | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Adds juicy character |
| Candles | 0.5-2% | 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
Simpler pineapple-like ester when a less complex fruit note is needed. More volatile with brighter top notes.
For greener, less sweet fruity effects. Works better in pear and apple compositions.
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.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439856333
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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