What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate is an aroma compound belonging to the family of so-called green leaf volatiles that chemists first isolated in the late 1960s during research on the natural bouquet of crushed foliage. While it occurs in trace amounts in leaves, melons and some tropical fruit, all material used in perfumery today is produced synthetically. The most common route joins cis-3-hexenol with lactic acid in a simple esterification that allows tight control over purity and stable supply.
At room temperature the substance is a clear mobile liquid that can look colorless or take on a very faint yellow tint with time. It is practically odorless to the naked eye but has a noticeable scent once diluted in alcohol or applied on a blotter. The liquid is slightly heavier than water and shows a mild refractive sparkle typical for small esters.
Perfumers reach for Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate whenever they need a fresh, realistic greenery effect, so it turns up in everything from fine fragrance to functional products. Because its production relies on inexpensive feedstock and straightforward chemistry the ingredient is considered affordable, which makes it attractive for large-volume uses like detergents, shampoos and candles. Its stability under normal storage conditions adds to its popularity in the lab and in finished products.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate Smell Like?
This molecule is classified in the green olfactory family. On a smelling strip the first impression is a burst of cut leaf freshness, quickly joined by a waxy nuance that softens the edges. Moments later a hint of dewy melon peeks through, adding a mild sweetness that keeps the profile from feeling too herbal. As the scent settles you may notice a subtle violet leaf character that lends a gentle floral gloss.
In the traditional pyramid of top, middle and base notes Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate sits firmly in the top to early middle zone. It flashes its green signature within seconds, then lingers for about two to three hours before fading. Projection is moderate: strong enough to shape the opening of a perfume yet not so loud that it dominates the blend. Longevity is modest, giving formulators room to let heart and base materials take over as it retreats.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate
This is one of those easy going materials that behaves nicely on the blotter and in the beaker, so most perfumers consider it a pleasure to handle. It blends without fuss, does not darken formulas and keeps its brightness even after several heating and cooling cycles during compounding.
Because its green flash feels natural rather than sharp, the molecule shines in the opening of floral bouquets, fruity top notes and watery accords. It pairs effortlessly with other leafy elements like cis-3-hexenol, but it can also lift rose, violet leaf and melon themes where you want a hint of dew without obvious grassiness. When a brief green accent is needed and galbanum or violet leaf absolute seem too heavy or too expensive, this ester often becomes the first choice.
Typical usage runs anywhere from a trace level for subtle freshness up to about 3 % in a fine fragrance concentrate. Going higher, up to 5 % in functional bases such as detergent or fabric softener, can compensate for the dampening effect of surfactants. At very low doses the note reads like a soft breeze of crushed leaves, while higher concentrations bring out the sweet melon facet and a slightly waxy body that can dominate lighter compositions.
The material performs well in alcohol, oil and many water based systems, though its limited water solubility means a solubiliser may be needed for clear shampoos or body mists. It is fairly stable in soaps and candles, yet the fresh top note fades faster under high heat so boost it with supporting greens if hot throw is critical.
Prep work is minimal: weigh the liquid at room temperature, keep the bottle tightly closed to avoid oxidation and store a small working solution at 10 % in ethanol for quick trials. No special antioxidants are usually required.
Safely Information
Working with aroma chemicals always requires a few common sense precautions to keep both the perfumer and the formula safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a working solution, ideally 10 % in ethanol, and fan the blotter toward your nose rather than sniffing the bottle.
- Avoid direct inhalation: use the material in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent breathing in concentrated vapors.
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to shield skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitisation, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before handling. Brief contact with low levels is generally safe but prolonged or high concentration exposure can be harmful.
Always review the latest material safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check back regularly for updates, then verify that your final dosage complies with current IFRA guidelines for the relevant product category.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed well and kept under the right conditions Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate easily keeps its freshness for two to three years. Some labs report the note stays bright even after five years but plan on rotating stock every 24 to 36 months for best results.
Refrigeration is not essential yet a spot in the fridge slows oxidation and color change. If fridge space is tight a cool dark cupboard far from heaters or windows works nearly as well. Avoid wide temperature swings because repeated warming and cooling can draw moist air into the bottle.
Use bottles with polycone caps, the white cone that presses into the neck, as they grip tightly and limit vapor loss. Dropper tops look handy but let in too much air. Keep containers as full as possible or move leftovers to smaller vials so the headspace is minimal.
Make a habit of labeling every bottle with the chemical name, concentration, date and any safety phrases such as “May cause skin irritation” or “Wear gloves.” Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help visitors handle samples responsibly.
Disposal is straightforward because small ester molecules like this one are readily biodegradable in modern wastewater plants. Rinse tiny lab residues down the sink with plenty of water if local rules permit. For larger quantities collect the liquid in a sealed drum and send it to a licensed chemical recycler or municipal hazardous waste drop-off. Never pour bulk material onto soil or into storm drains.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Lactate is a synthetically made green leaf ester that smells of fresh cut foliage softened by waxy melon and a faint violet note. It delivers an instant natural green splash that perks up floral fruity oceanic and even detergent accords.
Perfumers like it because it is affordable stable and easy to blend yet still vivid enough to stand out. Use a touch for subtle dew or push it higher for a sweet leafy spotlight. Just store it cool keep the bottle tight and remember that the scent flashes fast so pair it with longer lasting greens when needed.
Overall it is a fun versatile building block that earns its place in almost every creative kit offering high impact top note freshness without breaking the budget.