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 No. 02.084
• 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 fruity and green odor profile. The presence of the unsaturated bond in the hexenyl chain contributes to its distinctive fresh, green note, often associated with freshly cut grass.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is renowned for its fresh, green, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of freshly cut grass and green apples. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a natural and fresh character. Odor thresholds are typically low, enhancing its effectiveness even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is naturally found in a variety of plants, including apples, pears, and green tea leaves. It is biosynthesized in plants through enzymatic reactions involving alcohol acetyltransferases, which convert hexenol to hexenyl acetate. Its presence in natural sources makes it a candidate for "natural flavor" designation in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and green flavor categories. It acts as a key modifier, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high 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 utilized in green and floral fragrance families. It serves as a top note, providing a fresh and natural green character. Concentration ranges in perfumes typically vary from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the formulation. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, contributing to the initial impression of a 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: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.084.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with 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, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

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 authenticity of fruit and floral compositions. It synergizes well with other esters and green notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should balance its intensity to avoid masking other components.

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. While industry practices are well-documented, 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 2026-08-26 17:24:43 GMT (p2)