What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat is a green smelling aroma chemical that occurs in nature whenever fresh leaves or fruit are crushed. DSM-Firmenich produces a natural grade by feeding plant-sourced sugars to a friendly microbe then collecting the fragrance molecules it grows during fermentation. Other suppliers may offer versions made in a similar way or through classic chemical synthesis so the name sometimes appears without the “Nat” tag.
At room temperature the material is a clear mobile liquid that pours easily. Its scent strength is high even at low doses which makes it popular in the lab. Perfumers reach for it when they need an instant burst of crisp greenery or juicy fruit notes.
The ingredient is found in countless finished products from fine perfume to household cleaners so it is one of the most widely used green notes on the market. Stored in a cool dark place it normally keeps its punch for around two to three years before starting to fade.
Cost sits in the moderate bracket. It is not the cheapest material on the shelf yet still affordable enough for large volume applications like shampoos and fabric softeners.
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat’s Scent Description
This molecule belongs to the green family. Off a blotter it opens with the snap of freshly cut grass followed by the sweet crunch of a just-bitten apple. A softer pear nuance then slides in alongside a hint of unripe banana, all wrapped in a cool leafy breeze that suggests crushed stems and garden air after rainfall.
In perfume language scents unfold in top, middle and base stages. Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat lives firmly in the top zone. It announces itself within seconds of spraying and sets the scene for what follows. The note usually sparkles for 30 to 45 minutes before retreating, leaving space for floral or woody hearts to come forward.
Projection is vivid at first, throwing its green aura an arm’s length from the skin. Longevity is short to moderate since the molecule is light and volatile, though traces can linger a couple of hours if blended with richer ingredients that slow its escape.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat
Perfumers reach for Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat whenever they need an instant hit of dewy realism. A trace dose lifts a rose accord so it smells like petals just snipped from the garden. At 0.5 % to 1 % of the concentrate it brightens pear, melon or kiwi notes in fruity perfumes. When formulating a green tea or bamboo style scent, bumping it up to 2 % can give the blend a crisp leafy edge without turning it herbal.
Compared with other green materials such as Stemone or Liffarome this molecule feels juicier and less earthy, so it is chosen when the brief calls for fresh orchard fruit rather than damp foliage. It pairs especially well with hexyl acetate, cis-3-hexenol and green ionones to build a full grassy accord. A touch beside violet leaf absolute also makes that expensive natural smell more vivid while lowering cost.
The material shines in top-heavy formats like body sprays, shampoos and detergents that rely on first impression freshness. It is also candle friendly, though heat can thin out its impact so supporting greens or fruity esters are helpful. In high-pH soap it remains stable, an advantage over some delicate naturals.
Concentration matters. Under 0.1 % you may only sense a hint of dew that rounds harsh edges. Between 1 % and 3 % the apple-pear character leaps forward. Above 4 % it can dominate and may turn the perfume raw or solvent-like. Over-use risks masking floral hearts or clashing with heavy woods, so test in small increments.
Prep work is simple: pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before blending. This makes weighing easier and helps you judge its strength without overwhelming your nose. Always label the dilution clearly and store any leftover stock in an amber glass bottle away from light and heat.
Safely Using Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat
Dilution is key. Make a working solution before smelling to avoid exposing yourself to the pure material. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead blot a dip strip and waft it toward your nose. Work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood so vapors do not build up. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses because even mild esters can irritate skin or eyes.
Most users tolerate low concentrations well, yet repeated contact may cause sensitization. If you notice redness, itching or headaches stop handling the ingredient and seek medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional before working with aroma chemicals of any kind.
Short sessions at low levels are generally safe, but high loads in enclosed areas can lead to nausea or dizziness. Keep containers sealed when not in use and wipe spills promptly with an absorbent towel that you then dispose of in a sealed bag.
Dispose of unwanted stock in accordance with local regulations—never pour it down the drain. Small amounts can often go out with solvent waste, while larger volumes may require a licensed chemical disposal service.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor for up-to-date hazard codes, first aid measures and exposure limits, and follow IFRA guidelines to ensure your final formula remains within the recommended usage range.
How To Store & Dispose of Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat
Think of this material like a bottle of fresh juice. The cooler and darker the spot you give it, the longer it keeps its sparkle. A regular shelf that stays under 20 °C works, yet a fridge set aside for fragrance ingredients is even better if you have the room. What matters most is avoiding swings in temperature and keeping sunlight off the bottle.
Air is the other enemy. Transfer the liquid into the smallest practical bottle so the headspace is minimal. Top up part-used containers with clean glass marbles or inert gas if downsizing is not possible. Always reach for bottles with polycone caps because they form a tight seal that keeps both oxygen and moisture out. Dropper tops may look handy but they leak vapors and can clog over time.
When making a 10 % or 1 % dilution, choose a solvent-resistant plastic or amber glass vial with the same kind of cap. Label each vial right away with the ingredient name, concentration, date and any hazard pictograms listed on the safety data sheet. A clear label saves guesswork months later and helps anyone else in your workspace understand what is inside.
If a spill happens blot it with paper towels, then wash the area with warm soapy water. Collect the used towels in a zip-seal bag before discarding them in the regular bin. The ester is readily biodegradable, yet pouring it down the sink can still upset local waste-water rules. Small leftovers can go into a dedicated solvent waste container that is picked up by your municipal recycling center or a licensed contractor. Larger volumes should be treated as chemical waste from the start.
Check expiry dates once a year. Any sample that smells sour or has turned cloudy is past its best. Decant it into your waste can, rinse the empty bottle and recycle the glass if local rules allow.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat is a biotechnology-made ester that captures the smell of fresh cut grass and crisp green apple. Perfumers rely on its lively top note to give instant outdoor realism to floral, fruity and clean compositions. It flashes quickly yet does not linger, making it perfect for shampoos, sprays and light fine fragrances.
The molecule is affordable and stable for about two years when stored with care, though refrigeration or a cool cabinet can stretch that timeline. Its tight scent profile means it shines in green fruity themes but may feel out of place in deep woody or ambery blends unless used in a trace.
Commercial buyers can source DSM-Firmenich’s biotech grade directly in bulk drums. Hobbyists and small labs will find repackaged versions from specialty aroma shops or generic producers that list the same CAS number 3681-71-8. Whether you need a kilo or a 10 ml vial, it is widely available and easy to add to your creative toolkit.