What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate?
Cis-3-Hexenyl salicylate is an aroma ingredient first noted in the mid 1960s when chemists were exploring new green tonalities for modern perfumes. It is produced by reacting naturally occurring cis-3-hexenol with salicylic acid under controlled conditions, a process carried out on an industrial scale so the finished material is classed as synthetic rather than naturally distilled.
At room temperature the substance is a clear mobile liquid that appears colorless to the eye. It has a medium weight, with a density a little higher than water, and it pours easily from a drum or bottle. Because the molecule is quite stable it tolerates normal handling in a fragrance lab or factory without rapid oxidation or discoloration.
Cis-3-Hexenyl salicylate has become a workhorse for many fragrance houses. You will find it in everything from luxury fine fragrances to everyday cleaning products which shows how versatile it is. Its cost sits in a comfortable mid range so perfumers can dose it generously without blowing the budget yet it still delivers a polished result.
Thanks to its good flashpoint and low acid value it stores well and blends smoothly with most common solvents and bases. All of this makes the ingredient a dependable choice for both large scale manufacturers and independent creatives.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate Smell Like?
Perfumers group this material within the floral family because of the soft petal nuance it lends to a composition.
Off a blotter it opens with a sweet leafy freshness that feels like crushing young green stems between your fingers. Within seconds a gentle floral facet appears suggesting lily of the valley mixed with a hint of jasmine nectar. As the minutes pass a mild warmth surfaces giving the overall scent more roundness without turning heavy.
The molecule sits firmly in the heart of a perfume structure. It does not flash off as quickly as citrus notes yet it arrives well before deeper woods and musks. On a standard test strip you can expect clear presence for three to four hours after which it fades quietly.
Projection is moderate. It pushes a pleasant aura for the first hour or two then settles closer to the blotter. Longevity in a finished perfume depends on the formula but on its own the ingredient offers a respectable mid course that bridges the sparkle of top notes with the lasting power of the base.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate
Most perfumers agree this is a pleasant material to handle. It pours cleanly, does not stain equipment and its smell is instantly rewarding which always makes a lab session more enjoyable.
You reach for cis-3-hexenyl salicylate when you want to add a fresh green twist to a floral heart. It sits beautifully with notes like muguet, rose or lilac and helps them feel more natural, as if dew is still on the petals. In a leafy accord it links grassy facets to brighter citruses giving the composition a smooth transition from top to heart.
The ingredient also works well in fruity themes where it lifts apple, pear or melon with a crisp bite. In masculine blends it teams with lavender and herbs to create a clean outdoor vibe without turning sharp. When a formula feels flat you can often revive it with just a trace.
Typical use levels run from 0.1 % to about 3 % in fine fragrance with some functional products tolerating up to 5 %. At low doses it behaves almost like an enhancer that you cannot pick out directly yet everything smells fresher. Above 2 % its own floral character becomes obvious and if pushed toward the upper limit it can dominate softer materials so balance is key.
Because the liquid is insoluble in water you will want to pre-dilute in ethanol, DPG or your chosen solvent before weighing small amounts. This makes scaling easier and avoids surprise hot spots in the concentrate. No other prep is needed as the molecule is stable and does not polymerise or darken under normal lab light.
Safely Information
Handling fragrance materials calls for a few common sense precautions to keep both the user and the formula safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: Prepare a 10 % solution or weaker on a blotter rather than sniffing the neat liquid.
- Avoid direct inhalation: Do not put your nose over the bottle. Waft vapours toward you in a well ventilated space instead.
- Work in fresh air: Use an extractor hood or open window to prevent buildup of fumes during long blending sessions.
- Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses stop accidental splashes reaching skin or eyes.
- Health considerations: Some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before use. Brief contact with low levels is generally safe but prolonged or high exposure can be harmful.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and review it regularly as updates do happen. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product type to ensure your creations remain both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions cis-3-hexenyl salicylate stays fresh for about three to five years before its scent starts to thin out. Some perfumers stretch this longer but after five years it is wise to test the odor before using it in a new blend.
A dedicated fragrance fridge is the gold standard because steady cool temperatures slow oxidation. If that is not possible a shelf in a cool dark cupboard works fine as long as the bottle is kept away from direct sunlight heaters or any spot that swings in temperature.
Use bottles with tight polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. These caps form a reliable seal that keeps air out far better than dropper tops which often let vapor escape and oxygen sneak in. Each time you pour try to transfer the liquid into the smallest bottle that will hold it. A full bottle leaves little headspace so there is less oxygen to trigger degradation.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name batch date and key safety notes. Future you will thank present you when searching through the lab fridge.
For disposal small lab amounts can be absorbed onto an inert material like kitty litter then taken to a chemical waste facility that accepts solvent residues. Do not pour it down the sink since it is insoluble in water and can stress local treatment plants. The molecule is moderately biodegradable but only under the right industrial conditions so controlled disposal is best practice. Rinse empty bottles with a suitable solvent before recycling the glass and send the rinsate to waste collection.
Summary
Cis-3-hexenyl salicylate is a mid priced synthetic that gives a sweet green floral lift to almost any perfume style. Think of crushed leaves soft petals and a touch of spring air wrapped into one dependable liquid.
It shines in muguet rose and fresh fruit accords yet it is just as happy propping up masculine fougères or brightening household cleaners. The material is easy to handle stable under normal lab conditions and forgiving on the budget so beginners and veterans alike enjoy working with it.
Keep an eye on dose levels because above three percent its own voice can take over and crowd quieter notes. Store it cool keep bottles full and this cheerful workhorse will reward you with years of reliable performance in both fine fragrance and everyday products.