FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-2-hexenal (CAS: 85761-70-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-2-hexenal, Leaf aldehyde
• IUPAC Name: (E)-hex-2-enal
• CAS Number: 85761-70-2
• FEMA Number: 3429
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.061
• Molecular Formula: C6H10O
• Molecular Weight: 98.15 g/mol

(E)-2-hexenal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by the presence of an aldehyde group and a double bond in its structure. This configuration contributes to its distinctive green, leafy odor, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-2-hexenal is known for its strong, fresh, green, and leafy odor reminiscent of freshly cut grass or unripe fruit. It is often described as having a high intensity and is used as an impact note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, providing freshness and realism to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-2-hexenal occurs naturally in a variety of plants and fruits, including apples, tomatoes, and green tea. It is typically formed through the enzymatic oxidation of linoleic acid, a process that occurs during the mechanical damage of plant tissues. This compound is often associated with the "green" aroma of freshly cut plants and is considered a key component in the natural flavor and fragrance profiles of many fruits and vegetables.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-2-hexenal is widely used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note. It is commonly found in fruit flavors, particularly apple and pear, as well as in vegetable and herbal flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E)-2-hexenal is utilized for its ability to provide a fresh, green top note. It is commonly used in perfumes, soaps, and household products to evoke a sense of nature and cleanliness. Concentration levels in fragrances typically range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the formulation and desired effect. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, where it contributes to the initial impression of the fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 05.061.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-2-hexenal is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrances may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines to minimize risk. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its rapid volatilization, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-2-hexenal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green note, enhancing the realism of fruit and vegetable flavors. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and esters. Formulators should be cautious of its high reactivity and potential for oxidation, which can lead to off-notes if not properly stabilized.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-2-hexenal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-01-22 22:07:48 GMT (p2)