FlavScents AInsights Entry for (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate (CAS: 3681-71-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Leaf acetate, cis-3-Hexenyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate
• CAS Number: 3681-71-8
• FEMA Number: 3560
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 142.20 g/mol

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is characterized by its ester functional group, which is crucial for its distinctive green, leafy odor. The presence of the unsaturated bond in the hexenyl chain contributes to its fresh, green aroma, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is renowned for its fresh, green, and leafy odor, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a high diffusion rate, making it an effective impact note in formulations. The compound is used to impart a natural, fresh character to both flavors and fragrances. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, providing a realistic green note in various applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is naturally found in a variety of plants, including apples, bananas, and green tea. It is formed through enzymatic processes in plants, often as a response to mechanical damage, which triggers the release of volatile compounds. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its derivation from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is utilized in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note, commonly used in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and banana. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and freshness of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. The compound is relatively stable under typical formulation conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is a key component in green and floral fragrance families. It is used to provide a fresh, natural green note, often as a top note due to its volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its high volatility makes it an excellent choice for top note contributions, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its volatility and typical use concentrations. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green note, enhancing the naturalness of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and floral notes, but formulators should be cautious of its high volatility, which can lead to rapid evaporation. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction 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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-02-19 07:56:28 GMT (p2)