Trans-2-hexenyl acetate

Other comments :

Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate keeps the olfactory facets of the alcohol being at its origin: trans-2-Hexenol. Both have a fruity and green apple smell. Nevertheless, the esterification of the alcohol brings a juicier and syrupy note, making the ester suitable to bring such an effect in a composition.

Stability :

acetates may form acetic acid through time.

Uses in perfumery :

Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate is mainly used in fruity and green apple or pear notes, among others, to combine a juicy effect and make the link between a fruity and a green facet.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Trans-2-hexenyl acetate is a diastereoisomer of cis-2-Hexenyl acetate, much less used in perfumery. On the other hand, cis-3-Hexenyl acetate, the position isomer of trans-2-Hexenyl acetate, has a much greener smell, reminiscent of cut grass, and with substantially equivalent fruity accents.

Synthesis precursor :

Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate is not a precursor to the synthesis of another compound of olfactory interest.

Natural availability :

Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate is found in the fragrant principle of certain fruits such as apple, banana or mango, but also in trace amounts in some essential oils such as Peppermint EO. It is therefore its synthetic version that is most used in perfumery.

Synthesis route :

Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate can be synthesized by an esterification reaction, by reacting trans-2-Hexenol with acetic acid, in the presence of an acid catalyst such as concentrated sulfuric acid, in very small quantity in the reaction medium. The efficiency of this reaction can be improved by using acetic anhydride or chloroacetic acid instead of acetic acid.