FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-hexyl crotonate (CAS: 1617-25-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E)-hexyl crotonate
- IUPAC Name: Hexyl (E)-2-butenoate
- CAS Number: 1617-25-0
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: Data not found
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
- Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol
(E)-hexyl crotonate is an ester compound characterized by its hexyl group attached to a crotonic acid moiety. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its fruity and sweet scent, which is often leveraged in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E)-hexyl crotonate is known for its fruity, sweet, and slightly green odor profile. It is often described as having a character reminiscent of apple or pear, making it a valuable component in creating fruity accords. The intensity of its scent is moderate, providing a balanced diffusion that can enhance both top and middle notes in fragrance compositions. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E)-hexyl crotonate is not widely reported as a naturally occurring compound in significant quantities. It is typically synthesized for use in flavors and fragrances. The compound can be formed through esterification reactions involving hexanol and crotonic acid. Its synthetic nature does not preclude it from being used in "natural flavor" designations, provided it is derived from natural precursors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(E)-hexyl crotonate is utilized in various flavor categories, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and tropical blends. It serves as an impact note, providing a sweet and fruity character that enhances the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, (E)-hexyl crotonate is used across various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the freshness and sweetness of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be permissible under general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries not clearly documented; general safety compliance is advised.
- Latin America: No specific data found; assumed to follow general international safety standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; general safety practices should be followed.
- Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization data available; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally similar, with no significant differences reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E)-hexyl crotonate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an artificial or cloying scent. It is often under-utilized in green and herbal compositions, where it can add a subtle sweetness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (E)-hexyl crotonate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on general industry practices and safety guidelines. Known data gaps include detailed regulatory approvals and comprehensive toxicological evaluations.
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 2026-02-07 18:29:30 GMT (p2)