Chemical Name: (E)-2-Hexenal
Common Name: Trans-2-Hexenal
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O
Molecular Weight: 98.15 g/mol
CAS Number: 6728-26-3
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Green, leafy, fresh-cut grass, slightly fruity
Boiling Point: ~156°C (313°F)
Flash Point: ~30°C (86°F)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils
Functional Group: Aliphatic α,β-unsaturated aldehyde
Perfumery Profile
Scent Profile:
- Green, leafy, and fresh
- Resembles fresh-cut grass, crushed leaves, and green apple
- Bright, crisp, and natural-smelling
Use in Perfumery:
- Adds a green freshness and vibrancy to fragrances
- Commonly used in green, herbal, fruity, and citrus accords
- Evokes the smell of freshly mown lawns and garden herbs
- Often combined with other green aldehydes to create naturalistic green notes
Fragrance Families:
- Green
- Herbal
- Fruity
- Aldehydic (natural)
Natural Source:
- Naturally found in many fruits and vegetables, including apples, melons, tomatoes, and cucumbers
- Also present in essential oils of some herbs and green plants
Notable Uses:
- Widely used in fresh perfumes, body sprays, and natural fragrances
- Also used in flavoring to add fresh, green notes to food products