What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate is an ester first isolated and identified by aroma chemists in the mid-1960s during studies on the scent compounds naturally present in apples. Today the material found in perfumers’ labs is produced through a straightforward reaction between cis-3-hexenol and isovaleric acid, giving a consistent quality that meets modern purity standards.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear, colorless liquid that flows easily when poured. It sits comfortably in the group of light to mid-weight esters, with a density just under that of water and a refractive index typical for small fruity molecules.
Although trace amounts occur in fruits, the quantities needed by the fragrance industry make the synthetic route the norm. This method guarantees supply stability and keeps costs in the accessible range, so most companies consider it an affordable workhorse rather than a luxury specialty.
Because of its bright character and reliability, Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate pops up in everything from fine fragrance to household cleaners. Perfumers reach for it when they need a quick dash of realism in green or orchard-style accords. Usage is widespread and the material is usually kept in regular stock by all major aroma suppliers.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate Smell Like?
Perfumers place this molecule firmly in the fruity family. On a blotter it opens with a vivid burst that recalls biting into a crisp green apple, complete with the sweet juice and a touch of the peel’s grassy freshness. A faint buttery edge rounds out the profile and prevents the fruit note from feeling thin.
The brightness shows up early in a composition, so the material behaves as a top note. Thanks to its moderate molecular weight it lingers long enough to bridge into the upper heart of a perfume, helping green or floral partners feel more natural.
Projection is lively at first, easily noticeable within the first arm’s length, then settles to a gentle aura after the first hour. On a standard paper blotter the scent remains detectable for around three to four hours before fading, which is typical for a fruity top note and gives perfumers enough time to assess blends during development.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate
Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate is a pleasure to handle. It pours cleanly, does not gum up pipettes and its bright apple snap shows up quickly on a strip, which makes early evaluation painless.
Perfumers treat it as a top note modifier that brings instant realism to apple, pear or general orchard accords. A few drops can freshen a floral bouquet, making rose or muguet feel like they were just cut. In green tea or cut-grass themes it lifts the opening and smooths over harsher leafy facets.
The material often steps in when alternatives like cis-3-hexenol feel too raw or when ethyl maltol pushes a blend toward candy. It keeps the fruit impression natural and crisp. Its slight butter nuance also helps round out thin citrus heads without tipping them into confectionery territory.
Formulators reach for it in shampoos, soaps and detergents whenever they want a friendly fruit edge that survives alkaline bases. In candles it works well in fresh kitchen or laundry styles but can lose brightness if the wax is heavily colored, so test burns are advised.
Usage normally falls between trace levels and 3 percent of the concentrate. Going up to 5 percent is possible in room sprays or hard surface cleaners where a bold apple punch is welcome. At low concentrations it reads as leafy freshness; at higher dosages the sweetness grows and the butter facet becomes noticeable.
No exotic prep is needed. Simply pre-dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier measuring, label the solution clearly and keep a small reference strip nearby to avoid accidental overdosing.
Safety Information
Certain precautions and considerations need to be taken when working with this material.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 1 percent solution on a blotter instead of sniffing the neat liquid.
- Ventilation: work in a well-ventilated area to prevent buildup of vapors that could irritate the nose or lungs.
- Personal protective equipment: wear gloves and safety glasses to stop accidental skin contact or splashes to the eyes.
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally safe but prolonged or high-level exposure can be harmful.
Always review the latest MSDS supplied with your batch, check back regularly for updates and follow any current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate keeps its punch for around two years. Some batches will stay lively even longer but plan to refresh stock after that point to avoid surprise drop-offs in strength.
A simple rule is cool and dark. A cupboard on an inside wall works if the room stays under 20 °C. For extra peace of mind you can park the bottle in the refrigerator. Cold slows oxidation and keeps the apple note crisp.
Air is the main enemy. Always choose bottles that can be filled close to the top then seal them with polycone caps. These flexible inserts hug the neck and shut out oxygen better than glass droppers or flip tops. Skip amber dropper bottles for long-term storage because the rubber bulbs slowly breathe and invite spoilage.
If you prepare a 10 percent dilution keep it in the same kind of tight-seal bottle. Label everything clearly with the material name date concentration and any hazard icons so nobody grabs the wrong liquid later.
Keep the container far from direct sunlight heaters and open flames. The flash point sits at 68 °C so it is not highly flammable yet still deserves respect.
For disposal small lab leftovers can be soaked into cat litter then sealed in a plastic bag and placed with household trash according to local rules. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste service. The ester is fairly biodegradable in normal treatment plants but pouring it down the drain can overload septic systems and create strong odors.
Rinse empty bottles with a little soapy water, let them air dry with the cap off then recycle the glass where facilities allow.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Isovalerate is a bright fruity ester that smells like the first bite of a green apple with a soft buttery edge. It shines as a top note fixer that lifts orchard accords smoothies greens and perks up florals.
The material is popular because it is affordable stable and easy to blend yet delivers instant realism. You will meet it in fine fragrance shampoos soaps detergents and even candles so it earns a spot in any creative kit.
Keep an eye on air exposure and age if you want the freshest effect. Costs are modest and performance is reliable but the note is quite specific so avoid overdoing it unless an apple facet is the goal.
Handled with a bit of care it is a fun tool that adds juicy energy to countless scent ideas and invites quick experimentation.