FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate (CAS: 3681-82-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Leaf acetate, (E)-3-hexenyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: (E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate
• CAS Number: 3681-82-1
• FEMA Number: 3855
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.271
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 142.20 g/mol

(E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is an ester compound characterized by its acetate functional group, which contributes to its fruity and green odor profile. The presence of the unsaturated hexenyl chain is crucial for its characteristic fresh, green, and leafy scent, often associated with freshly cut grass.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-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. This compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and natural green character. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate naturally occurs in various plants and fruits, including apples, pears, and green tea leaves. It is formed through enzymatic reactions, particularly during the breakdown of fatty acids in plant tissues. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its role in the aroma profile of many fruits and vegetables.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and green flavor categories. It serves as a key component in creating authentic apple, pear, and green tea flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is utilized in green and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the freshness and naturalness of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, contributing 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: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.271.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall freshness and naturalness. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering green note. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data 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

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 2026-03-21 07:37:14 GMT (p2)