• 🏭 Manufacturer — Symrise

• 🔎 Chemical name — Hexyl Ethanoate

• 📂 CAS N° — 142-92-7

• 📘 FEMA — 2565

• ⚖️ MW — 144.21 g/mol

• 📝 Odor type — Fruity

• 📈 Odor Strength — Very intense. Weak Tenacity.

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — fruity, green, and sweet scent reminiscent of apples, pears, and other green fruits.

• ⚗️ Uses — used to add freshness, fruitiness, and a subtle green undertone to fragrance compositions, creating a sense of natural fruit and foliage.

Hexyl Acetate – Complete Product Overview

Historical Background

Hexyl acetate is a naturally occurring ester found in various fruits, such as apples and pears, and has been widely used in both the food and fragrance industries due to its pleasant fruity aroma and characteristic green notes. Its history of use dates back to the early 20th century, when chemists began isolating and synthesizing esters to replicate and enhance the scents of fresh fruits for consumer products (Arctander, 1969).

Olfactory Profile

Hexyl acetate has a fruity, green, and sweet scent reminiscent of apples, pears, and other green fruits. It is commonly used to add freshness, fruitiness, and a subtle green undertone to fragrance compositions, creating a sense of natural fruit and foliage (The Good Scents Company, n.d.).

Odor Characteristics:

• Fruity

• Green

• Sweet

• Fresh, with nuances of apple and pear

Applications in Perfumery and Product Categories

Hexyl acetate is used for its refreshing fruity aroma and green qualities, making it a staple in many fragrance and flavor applications:

• Fine Fragrances: Adds a fruity, green top note that brightens compositions, especially in citrus, fruity, and floral blends (Arctander, 1969).

• Personal Care Products: Used in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions, imparting a fresh, fruity scent (The Good Scents Company, n.d.).

• Flavorings: Commonly utilized as a flavoring agent in food and beverages to give an apple or pear-like taste (FEMA, n.d.).

• Household Products: Incorporated into cleaning agents, air fresheners, and detergents, offering a fresh, fruity, and green aroma (The Good Scents Company, n.d.).

Fragrance Families:

• Fruity: Enhances and amplifies fruity notes.

• Green: Adds a natural green touch that blends well with herbal and floral notes.

• Floral: Lends brightness and freshness to floral accords.

Usage in Fragrance Formulation

Concentration Levels:

• Fine Fragrance: Used at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 3% to impart a refreshing fruity character.

• Personal Care Products: Typically used at 0.2% to 2% to provide a fresh, appealing scent.

• Household Products: Employed at 1% to 3% to enhance the aroma profile of cleaning and air-care products.

Blending Suggestions:

• With Citrus Notes: Pairs effectively with lemon, lime, and bergamot, enhancing brightness and zest.

• With Florals: Blends well with jasmine, lily of the valley, and orange blossom, providing a fresh, fruity backdrop.

• With Green and Woody Notes: Adds complexity when combined with herbaceous and woody elements, offering a fresh green nuance.

Chemical Properties and Composition

Hexyl acetate is a colorless liquid known for its pleasant, fruity aroma and excellent stability across various formulations.

• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₆O₂

• Molecular Weight: 144.21 g/mol

• Boiling Point: Approximately 171°C

• Flash Point: 55°C (closed cup)

• Density: 0.868 g/cm³ at 20°C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents

Safety and Regulatory Information

IFRA Guidelines:

Hexyl acetate is generally regarded as safe for use in perfumery and flavorings within IFRA standards and food-grade regulations for flavoring agents.

• Maximum Usage Levels:

  • Fine fragrances and personal care products: regulated according to safety assessments.

Safety Precautions:

Hexyl acetate is considered low-toxicity, but as with any chemical, appropriate handling and usage guidelines should be observed. It can be a mild irritant to the eyes and skin upon direct exposure.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: Hexyl acetate is considered biodegradable, breaking down relatively easily in the environment.

• Aquatic Toxicity: Limited evidence suggests low aquatic toxicity, but care should be taken to avoid releasing large quantities into water sources.

Conclusion

Hexyl acetate is a versatile fragrance and flavor compound known for its fruity, green, and fresh aroma. Its ability to brighten and add a natural fruitiness to compositions makes it a popular choice in fine fragrances, personal care products, flavorings, and household items. With a long history of safe use and a reputation for imparting a crisp, fruity top note, hexyl acetate remains a valuable component in the perfumer and flavorist's toolkit.

References

• Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Allured Publishing Corporation.

• The Good Scents Company. (n.d.). Hexyl Acetate. Retrieved from https://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/

• FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association). (n.d.). Hexyl Acetate Overview.