What Is Cis-3-Hexenol Nat?
Cis-3-Hexenol Nat is a natural aroma molecule prized for its vivid leafy freshness. The material is offered by DSM-Firmenich, although similar versions may be available from other suppliers under different names.
The ingredient is created through gentle biotechnology. In simple terms, microorganisms are allowed to ferment plant-derived sugars, then the desired scent molecule is separated and purified. The end result is a clear, mobile liquid that looks much like water yet carries a lively green smell.
Because the process relies on renewable feedstocks rather than petrochemicals, it is classed as a “white biotech” material. This approach makes large-scale production feasible, so the molecule is not considered rare or difficult to source.
Cis-3-Hexenol Nat sees daily use in fine fragrance, personal care items like shampoos and shower gels, and even home products such as candles and fabric softeners. Its broad usefulness keeps demand high, so most fragrance labs keep it on hand.
When stored in a cool, well-sealed container away from direct light, the ingredient usually remains in good shape for about two years before its sparkle begins to fade. As far as cost goes, it sits in the moderate range: not bargain-basement cheap yet far from a luxury material.
Cis-3-Hexenol Nat’s Scent Description
Perfumers place this molecule firmly in the green family. On a blotter it opens with an unmistakable hit of fresh-cut grass followed by crushed leaves and a subtle hint of garden sap. There is a damp morning dew facet that keeps the tone bright rather than dry or herbal.
The aroma lives in the top note space, meaning it shows itself quickly after application then starts to step back as other notes appear. It still lingers into the upper heart of a perfume, acting like a bridge between sparkling citrus top notes and more floral or woody middles.
Projection is vibrant at first. A small amount can fill the air around the blotter for several minutes, yet it does not overwhelm. Longevity is shorter than most woods or resins, roughly one to two hours on paper, so perfumers often partner it with softer green notes to extend its presence.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenol Nat
Perfumers reach for Cis-3-Hexenol Nat when they want to inject a burst of cut-grass freshness at the very top of a fragrance. It slips easily into citrus openings, green tea accords and dewy florals. Just a touch brightens a rose, peony or lily of the valley note, making the bloom feel just-picked rather than bouquet-ready.
Dosage often sits between 0.05 % and 1 % of the finished concentrate. At a trace level the material gives a subtle wet-leaf halo that many wearers cannot pick out on its own. Around 0.5 % the grass effect becomes obvious and helps unify other natural-smelling elements. Pushing it to 2 % or more creates a sharp, almost stem-crushed slap that can edge toward metallic if the formula is already heavy with aldehydes or isoamyl acetate.
Its volatility makes it perfect for room sprays, shampoos and shower gels where the scent payoff must be immediate. In soap and detergents the clean-cut lawn vibe pairs well with galbanum or basil to signal freshness. The note also survives candle burn surprisingly well, though you may need to shift the dose upward to counter heat loss.
Overuse is the main risk. Too much Cis-3-Hexenol Nat can read as canned green beans or even latex, pulling attention away from the heart of the perfume. It may also clash with heavy gourmand notes, turning them sour. When unsure, dose low then build up in small increments.
No special pre-treatment is needed, but many labs keep a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so the material is easy to pipette. Light oxidation dulls the smell, so weigh the neat stock quickly and recap right away. Pair it with antioxidant BHT if you plan long storage.
Safely Using Cis-3-Hexenol Nat
Dilution is key: always work from a pre-diluted solution rather than smelling the neat liquid. Avoid direct sniffing to protect your nasal passages. Set up in a room with good airflow so vapors never build up. Gloves and safety glasses stop accidental splashes from reaching skin or eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals this ingredient can cause skin irritation in sensitive users. A few people report redness or itching after prolonged contact. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to a medical professional before handling any perfumery raw material.
Short, low-level exposure during normal formulation work is considered safe. High concentrations or long sessions without breaks can lead to headaches or mild respiratory discomfort. Keep work times moderate and wash hands after each session.
Dispose of wipes and blotters in a sealed bin to limit lingering fumes. Small liquid leftovers can be collected in a dedicated waste container for professional chemical disposal. Never pour excess material down the drain.
Always read the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and revisit it when ordering new batches since guidelines can change. Check current IFRA standards to confirm maximum allowable levels in your specific product type and stay within those limits.
How To Store & Dispose of Cis-3-Hexenol Nat
Keep the original bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or rising heat. A refrigerator set between 5 °C and 10 °C further slows oxidation, though normal room-temperature storage works if the space never climbs above 25 °C.
Select containers with tight-fitting polycone caps for any dilutions you make. These liners squeeze against the neck of the bottle and stop vapors from creeping out. Dropper tops are convenient for dosing but they rarely seal well, so reserve them for short-term lab sessions only.
Air is the main enemy. Fill smaller bottles as you decant so the headspace stays minimal. Less oxygen touching the liquid means the grassy bite stays bright for longer. Top each label with the material name, CAS number, dilution strength and a quick note such as “irritant” or “flammable” to remind future users of basic safety.
Cis-3-Hexenol breaks down readily in the environment but you should still treat leftovers with care. Wipe small spills with a paper towel, seal the towel in a bag then toss it into general trash. Collect larger liquid waste in a closed plastic jug and send it to a licensed chemical recycler or community household hazardous-waste drop-off. Never rinse bulk amounts down the sink because the strong odour can linger in plumbing.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenol Nat is a biotech-derived leaf alcohol that shouts fresh cut grass the moment it hits air. Used mainly as a top note, it lifts citrus, floral and green tea accords and it flashes cleanly in soaps, detergents and candles.
The ingredient enjoys lasting popularity because it is affordable, broadly approved for fragrance and flavour work and easy to blend. Still, its high volatility means the scent fades within hours and the raw material can oxidize if left half empty on a warm shelf.
Commercial houses can order drums straight from DSM-Firmenich while hobbyists will find smaller sizes at independent reseller shops or generic aroma suppliers. Handle it with basic lab care, store it tightly capped in a cool spot and the bottle will keep its crisp lawn aroma for many seasons of creative use.