What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat is a naturally sourced aroma molecule first isolated and characterized by researchers in the early 1960s. The “Nat” label means the material meets standards for natural status, making it a popular choice for brands that favor nature-derived ingredients.
Today the material is manufactured through white biotechnology. In practice this involves feeding simple plant sugars to a carefully selected micro-organism. During fermentation the microbe converts those sugars into the target molecule which is then purified for use in perfumery.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear, colorless liquid that flows easily, much like light cooking oil. Its low viscosity and good solubility make it simple to weigh, mix and filter during fragrance compounding.
Perfumers reach for Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat in everything from fine fragrance to household cleaners because the molecule occurs widely in nature and blends well with many other notes. Thanks to efficient biotech production the material sits in the middle price range, putting it within reach for both premium and mass-market formulas.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat Smell Like?
This ingredient is classified in the Green family, the group that captures the scent of fresh leaves and stems.
On a perfume blotter it opens with the vivid snap of freshly cut grass. Within seconds a crisp apple nuance appears, joined by hints of pear and a soft banana accent that sweetens the impression without turning it sugary. The overall effect is juicy, airy and very natural, as if one has just bitten into a piece of fruit in a summer garden.
In the classic top-middle-base structure this molecule sits firmly in the top note zone. It flashes brightly at the start of a fragrance then eases off to let heart notes take over. Projection is lively during the first twenty to thirty minutes, giving a sparkling lift to the whole composition. Longevity on a blotter is moderate, usually a couple of hours, which is typical for fresh green materials.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat
This is a fun material to handle: it pours easily, dissolves quickly in alcohol and lights up a trial blend the moment it hits the beaker.
Perfumers reach for it when they want an instant impression of crushed leaves, juicy fruit or morning orchard air. It is a cornerstone of green top accords and a trusty booster for apple pear or banana nuances. When a citrus opening feels flat or a floral heart lacks freshness a drop or two of Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat can lift the whole creation faster than most alternatives.
The molecule works best in top notes of eau de toilette colognes green florals fruity gourmands and modern fougères. It pairs beautifully with galbanum violet leaf linalool hexyl acetate and citrus oils. In woody or amber bases it adds a surprising hit of realism that prevents heaviness. On the downside it can clash with heavy animalic notes and it tends to disappear in very sweet syrupy bases unless supported by other crisp materials.
Typical usage sits anywhere from a trace to about 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it offers a soft grassy whisper. Around 1 percent the apple aspect shines and the blend gains sparkle. Push it toward 4-5 percent and the banana facet grows louder while the material can start to smell slightly solvent-like so most perfumers keep it below that line.
Before evaluating on a blotter dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. No special stabilisers or antioxidants are required and it tolerates pH swings encountered in soaps and detergents. Just close the cap tightly because the fresh green scent fades if the liquid is left open to air.
Safely Information
Like all aroma chemicals Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat calls for a few sensible precautions during handling.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 percent solution in alcohol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating the scent
- Avoid direct sniffs from the bottle: inhaling concentrated vapors can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes
- Work in good ventilation: an open window fume hood or extraction fan helps disperse airborne molecules
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: the liquid can defat skin and may sting if it splashes into eyes
- Health considerations: some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions so wash any contact area promptly seek medical advice if pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high-level exposure can be harmful even though short low-level use is generally regarded as safe
Always consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and review it periodically since updates may occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum concentration in each product type to ensure consumer safety.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed and kept in ideal conditions Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat stays fresh for roughly two to three years before any obvious loss of vibrancy appears. Past that point it usually remains usable but the green bite starts to dull.
A refrigerator at 4 °C is a simple way to stretch shelf life, yet a regular storeroom works too as long as it is cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Keep bottles away from radiators hot pipes or window ledges because heat speeds up oxidation.
Choose glass bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps seal better than droppers so less air sneaks in. Each time you decant aim to leave as little headspace as possible or top up with inert gas to push out oxygen.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name batch number and the main hazard phrases from the safety data sheet. A date of opening helps you track ageing later on.
The molecule is readily biodegradable so small lab quantities can be rinsed away with plenty of running water but always check local regulations first. Larger volumes or contaminated mixtures should go to a licensed chemical disposal service. Rinse empty bottles, remove the labels then recycle or discard according to your municipal rules.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate Nat is a nature-identical green note produced by modern biotech. It smells like freshly cut grass touched with crisp apple plus subtle pear and banana, a profile that sparks instant outdoorsy freshness.
Perfumers love it because it slots into citrus openings, green florals, fruity gourmands or even heavy woods where a dash of realism is needed. It is affordable, easy to blend and a pleasure to handle so it pops up in fine fragrance as well as soaps and candles.
Keep an eye on its volatility and make sure the bottle is sealed tight since the top note can fade if left uncapped. Within its sweet spot of up to five percent it delivers a lively natural lift that few other materials can match, making it a must-have for anyone building a versatile aroma palette.