What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is an aroma molecule prized for the crisp green bite it adds to perfumes and scented goods. It is offered by DSM-Firmenich, yet other suppliers may sell similar material under a non-branded name. The “Nat” tag shows that its main building blocks come from natural fermentation rather than petrochemicals, a method often called white biotech. In practice a friendly micro-organism converts simple plant sugars into the finished fragrance ingredient.
At room temperature the material is a clear to pale yellow liquid that pours easily without leaving crystals or sediment. Perfumers like it because it blends smoothly with both oils and water-based bases, so it turns up in everything from fine fragrance to detergents. Usage levels tend to be low, meaning a single kilo goes a long way.
Compared with rare flower absolutes or niche synthetics this molecule sits in the middle of the price ladder. It is not the cheapest green note on the market yet it is far from a luxury splurge, so most budgets can stretch to it. Stored in a full, tightly closed drum away from heat and direct light the shelf life is usually around two years before the scent starts to flatten.
Because the compound also occurs naturally in green tea, citrus peel and exotic fruits many brands use it when they want to add a “naturally fresh” story to their marketing. That link to familiar foods helps explain why the material has become a regular resident of modern fragrance labs.
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat’s Scent Description
This ingredient sits firmly in the green family. On a blotter it opens with the snap of freshly mown grass mixed with the juicy sweetness of ripe pear. A gentle hint of apple skin and a touch of pineapple ride in the background, giving the impression of walking through an orchard just after rain. As the minutes pass a soft leafy facet emerges, like crushed guava leaf, keeping the note vibrant rather than sugary.
In the classical perfume pyramid it shines at the top then eases into the heart. You will notice its impact within the first few seconds of smelling a fragrance, and traces remain for an hour or two to keep the blend feeling alive. It rarely reaches the base where woods and musks rule, yet its green fruit sparkle sets the stage for those deeper notes.
Projection is moderate. It pushes forward when first applied, creating a fresh aura that people nearby can pick up without effort. Longevity depends on the formula: on a simple blotter the scent stays distinct for three to four hours, while in a soap bar or candle it can be noticed even the next day thanks to slower release from those mediums.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat
Perfumers reach for this note when a composition needs a quick splash of cut grass brightness with a juicy fruity edge. It fits naturally into apple, pear or pineapple accords and adds lift to tropical bouquets where the sweetness risks feeling syrupy. In floral themes it can modernise lily of the valley, freesia or peony, helping petals feel freshly snapped rather than powdery.
At trace levels of 0.05 % to 0.2 % the material is mostly a hidden enhancer, sharpening citrus and light florals without overtly announcing itself. Between 0.3 % and 1 % the green facet becomes noticeable, giving a crisp wet-leaf glow ideal for sporty colognes or shampoo bases. Pushed near 3 % to 5 % it dominates with an almost crunchy pear-skin note that can feel aggressive if not balanced with softer fruits or musks.
Compared with other leafy molecules like Cis-3-Hexenol this ester reads smoother and more gourmand thanks to the caproate backbone, so it is chosen when the brief calls for edible green rather than raw herbal bite. It is less volatile than pure hexenol which gives longer staying power in shower gels and candles yet still supports the top of a fine fragrance.
The downside appears in heavy oriental or gourmand formulas rich in vanilla where its watery clarity can clash. It can also thin out woody bases if overdosed, leaving a perfume smelling hollow. A good rule is to start low, evaluate after 24 hours of maceration then build up slowly.
Prep work is minimal. The liquid is pourable at room temperature and blends readily in alcohol or dipropylene glycol. For oil based products premix in a small amount of a light solvent such as benzyl benzoate to avoid cloudiness. Always label dilutions clearly and record the final percentage so reformulation remains easy.
In candle wax test burn for discoloration as the faint yellow tint may deepen in high-heat environments. In detergent or softener bases verify stability in high-pH systems since prolonged storage can dull the fruity facet.
Safely Using Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat
Dilution is key. Work with a 10 % or weaker solution when evaluating the scent on a blotter. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle to prevent nasal fatigue or irritation. Use the material in a well ventilated workspace and wear gloves plus safety glasses to keep splashes off skin and eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals it can trigger mild skin irritation or allergic responses in sensitive individuals. If pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before prolonged handling. Brief exposure to low concentrations is considered low risk but extended contact with undiluted material may lead to headaches or dermatitis.
Clean any spills promptly with absorbent paper then dispose of the waste in a sealed container according to local regulations. Wash tools and glassware with warm soapy water followed by alcohol to remove residue that could taint future trials.
Always review the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates as regulatory limits can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat
Keep the liquid in well sealed amber glass bottles positioned in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. Refrigeration is not mandatory yet it slows oxidation and can stretch the shelf life beyond two years when the cap stays tight.
Use polycone caps on all stock and working dilutions as the cone forms a snug barrier that blocks slow vapor loss. Dropper tops are handy for dosing but they breathe air back into the bottle after every use so avoid them unless a project is finished quickly.
Try to store the material in containers that are almost full. A small headspace invites oxygen to nibble away at the fresh pear grass facets causing the top note to thin and yellowing to creep in. If you must split a larger drum decant into several smaller bottles and purge the gap with a puff of inert gas if available.
Label every container clearly: include the ingredient name, CAS number, strength of any dilution plus hazard phrases like “Irritant” if applicable. Good labeling prevents mix ups on the bench and satisfies any future audit of safety practices.
For disposal soak up unwanted liquid with an inert absorbent then place it in a sealed plastic bag before handing it to a licensed chemical waste company. Do not pour down the drain. Although components are biodegradable in the wider environment their concentration in neat form can be harmful to aquatic life.
Empty bottles should be triple rinsed with warm soapy water followed by alcohol. Collect the first two rinse liquids in the waste stream then the clean glass can enter normal recycling if local rules allow.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is a green fruity aroma molecule that smells like dew covered grass mixed with crisp pear and a whisper of pineapple. Perfumers rely on it to brighten citrus, give realism to apple or pear accords and revive floral bouquets that need a fresh snap.
The note sits in the moderate price bracket and is generally stable when stored cool and capped tight yet it will fade if exposed to heat or air for long periods. Its specificity is an asset in sporty colognes, shampoos or candles but can jar inside heavy vanilla gourmands so dose with care.
Popularity is high because it bridges the gap between raw leafy alcohols and sweeter fruit esters giving both freshness and flavor. Large fragrance houses order it in drums directly from DSM-Firmenich or other bulk suppliers. Hobbyists and small brands can still access the same molecule in smaller stash-friendly volumes through specialty resellers and generic aroma chemical vendors.