FlavScents AInsights Entry for (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate (CAS: 61931-81-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate
• IUPAC Name: (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl 2-hydroxypropanoate
• CAS Number: 61931-81-5
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
• Molecular Formula: C9H16O3
• Molecular Weight: 172.22 g/mol

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is characterized by its ester functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of the unsaturated alkene group contributes to its green, leafy aroma, often associated with fresh, natural scents.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is known for its fresh, green, and slightly fruity odor, reminiscent of cut grass and green leaves. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a pleasant, natural diffusion. This compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations to impart a fresh, green character.

Taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is naturally found in various green plants and is a component of the aroma profile of fresh leaves. It is formed through enzymatic reactions in plants, particularly during the breakdown of fatty acids, which leads to the formation of volatile esters.

This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations as it occurs naturally in plant materials and can be extracted for use in flavor and fragrance applications.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note, often in fruit and vegetable flavors. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing background realism and enhancing the perception of freshness.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm. These values are estimates based on industry practices, as specific documented ranges are not widely available.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, but it may be susceptible to oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is used in green and floral fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a fresh, leafy character that enhances the naturalness of the fragrance.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are qualitative, often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired effect. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; assumed safe under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed compliant under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international flavoring guidelines.
• Latin America: No specific data; typically aligns with international standards.

Explicit approvals are not clearly documented, and harmonized assumptions are generally applied. Known uncertainties exist due to the lack of specific listings in some regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; assumed low risk based on typical fragrance use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational safety data available.

Risk profiles are generally similar between food and fragrance applications, with low exposure levels minimizing potential risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and floral notes, enhancing the perception of naturalness.

Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering green note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of freshness. It is frequently used to balance and enhance the overall profile of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl lactate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical use in formulations. However, specific regulatory listings and toxicological data are less documented, leading to reliance on industry-typical practices and assumptions.

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 2026-09-02 06:27:05 GMT (p2)