FlavScents AInsights Entry: cis-3-Hexenol (CAS: 928-96-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): cis-3-Hexenol, Leaf Alcohol
• IUPAC Name: (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol
• CAS Number: 928-96-1
• FEMA Number: 2563
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.038
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O
• Molecular Weight: 100.16 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: cis-3-Hexenol is characterized by an alcohol functional group and a double bond in the cis configuration, contributing to its distinctive green, grassy odor. This structure is crucial for its role as a key impact compound in many natural green odors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: cis-3-Hexenol is renowned for its fresh, green, grassy aroma, often described as reminiscent of freshly cut grass or leaves. It has a high intensity and moderate diffusion, making it a potent impact note in both flavors and fragrances.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: The odor threshold in air is typically around 0.25 ppb, indicating its strong sensory impact even at low concentrations.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note, providing freshness and realism to green and herbal profiles in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: cis-3-Hexenol is naturally found in a variety of plants, including tea leaves, mint, and green vegetables. It is a significant component of the aroma of freshly cut grass.
• Formation Pathways: It is primarily formed through the enzymatic degradation of linolenic acid in plant tissues, a process that occurs when plant cells are damaged.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its natural occurrence in many plants, cis-3-Hexenol is often used in formulations labeled as "natural."

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: cis-3-Hexenol is used in a wide range of flavor applications, including fruit, vegetable, and herbal flavors. It is particularly valued in green apple, mint, and tea flavors.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a key impact compound, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of green and herbal notes.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished food products, with typical levels around 1 ppm. These values are industry-typical estimates.
• Stability Considerations: cis-3-Hexenol is relatively stable under neutral pH but can degrade under acidic or basic conditions. It is also prone to oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: cis-3-Hexenol is used in green, floral, and herbal fragrance compositions. It is common in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners.
• Functional Role: It serves as a trace realism note, providing a fresh, natural character to fragrance blends.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at concentrations of 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: cis-3-Hexenol is highly volatile and primarily contributes to the top notes of a fragrance, imparting an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): cis-3-Hexenol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): It is approved for use in the EU under the flavoring regulation, with FL No. 02.038.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavoring substances.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): cis-3-Hexenol is permitted for use in food and fragrances, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): It is approved for use in flavors and fragrances, with harmonized regulations across several countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: cis-3-Hexenol has a high margin of safety when used at typical flavor concentrations. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is considered safe under current use conditions.
• Dermal Exposure: It is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA standards provide guidance on safe use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but it is not considered hazardous at typical use levels in consumer products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: cis-3-Hexenol is prized for its ability to impart a fresh, natural green note, enhancing the authenticity of both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: It blends well with other green and herbal notes, as well as floral and citrus components, to create complex, realistic profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. Balancing with other notes is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle green note, while overuse can occur in attempts to create overly intense green profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and natural occurrence of cis-3-Hexenol are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and synergies are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific ADI values are not established, and regional regulatory nuances may exist.

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 2026-01-20 19:51:22 GMT (p2)