What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is an aroma molecule first identified in the 1990s during research into the natural scent components of tropical fruits. It belongs to a small family of chemicals that occur naturally in plants and fruit skins, yet the material used by perfumers is produced through modern fermentation techniques.
The production process sits within the field of White Biotech. A harmless micro-organism is fed renewable plant sugars in large stainless-steel vats. Over several days the microbe converts the sugars into the desired molecule, which is then isolated, purified and stabilized for fragrance use. Because the raw materials are plant based and the transformation is biological, the finished ingredient is classified as natural origin under most regulatory systems.
At room temperature it appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid that pours easily and blends well with both oils and alcohol. Its stability profile allows formulators to use it in an impressive range of consumer products without special handling steps.
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is widely available through major fragrance suppliers and is considered moderately priced compared with rare essential oils or handcrafted absolutes. This accessibility, together with its versatility, has made it a workhorse ingredient found in countless everyday scented items.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat Smell Like?
Perfumers place Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat in the green family of scent materials. On a blotter it opens with the crisp snap of freshly cut grass followed quickly by the juicy impression of sliced pear. The fruit facet is not syrupy or candy-like; instead it suggests the crunch of a just-picked pear still cool from the shade. A slight herbal nuance keeps the note refreshing rather than sweet.
In terms of evaporation curve this molecule performs as a top to early middle note. It makes a vivid first impression then gently eases into the heart of the fragrance where it lends a natural-feeling freshness to floral or fruity accords.
Projection is moderate: enough to be noticed without crowding a composition. Longevity on skin or fabric typically ranges from one to three hours, after which the material fades gracefully leaving no harsh residual odor. This balanced performance is a major reason the ingredient sees so much use in fine fragrance and functional products alike.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat
This is a friendly material to handle. It pours cleanly, blends without fuss and brings an instant splash of realism that can rescue a dull formula in seconds.
Perfumers reach for it when they want the snap of cut grass plus a crunchy pear twist. At very low dosages it brightens tropical fruit accords such as pineapple or guava. Raise the level a little and it becomes the green backbone of apple notes, giving bite and freshness that synthetic apple bases can lack.
When working floral bouquets it lifts muguet, jasmine or freesia, stopping them from feeling heavy. In masculine blends a hint over woody bases suggests a golf course breeze while in home care it delivers the freshly cleaned garden vibe consumers love.
Typical use sits anywhere between trace amounts and about 2 % of the concentrate. Some bold fine fragrances push it to 5 % for a hyper-realistic pear opening but at that level the grassy edge can dominate. As concentration rises the scent moves from light juicy pear toward leafy green then, if overdosed, a coarse herbal tone. Knowing this curve helps dial in the exact mood desired.
Compatibility is wide so special prep is minimal. A quick 10 % pre-dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol makes weighing more accurate and avoids nose shock on evaluation. Otherwise drop it straight into the oil phase, give it a good stir and you are set.
Safely Information
Like all aroma materials Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat demands a few common sense precautions.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % solution or weaker before smelling so you experience the true odour without overwhelming your nose
- Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle: concentrated vapours can temporarily numb your sense of smell and mask subtler notes
- Ensure good ventilation: work near a fume hood or open window to prevent buildup of volatile compounds in your workspace
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: even generally safe materials can irritate skin or splash into eyes during weighing or mixing
- Health considerations: some users may develop irritation or sensitisation, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before exposure, brief low-level contact is usually fine but prolonged or high concentrations may be harmful
For total peace of mind always study the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and revisit it periodically as updates appear. Follow any IFRA guideline limits that apply to your product category to keep both creators and consumers safe.
Storage And Disposal
Unopened in proper conditions Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat keeps its full strength for roughly three years, sometimes up to five if refrigerated. Once a bottle is in use expect the aroma to stay fresh around twelve to eighteen months provided you give it minimal air contact.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A cool dark cupboard away from sunlight radiators or hot equipment is usually enough to protect the ester bond from premature breakdown. Use amber glass with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions because these liners grip the glass and block creeping vapour. Dropper tops seem handy yet they breathe and let oxygen in, so save them for short term evaluation only.
Try to keep each container as full as possible. Top up small working bottles from a master stock or decant into smaller vials as your supply shrinks. Lower headspace means lower oxygen exposure and measurably less oxidation. If you make a pre-dilution mark the date and strength, then store it separate from the neat stock so the two do not get mixed up.
Label every vessel clearly with the ingredient name batch number and relevant hazard pictograms. Future you will thank present you when looking for that mystery bottle six months later.
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is readily biodegradable in standard wastewater treatment, yet best practice is to minimise any direct release. For small hobby amounts rinse tools and blotters into plenty of running water while flushed down a sink linked to municipal treatment. Larger volumes or commercial waste should be absorbed onto inert material like sand or cat litter then sent to a licensed chemical disposal service. Never pour concentrate into outdoor drains ponds or soil.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Caproate Nat is a naturally fermented green ester that smells like freshly cut grass paired with the crisp bite of pear. It is a lively top to heart note that perks up tropical fruit, apple, pineapple and floral mixes making it a fun go-to when a formula feels flat.
Its popularity comes from a mix of bright realistic scent, broad stability across fine fragrance and cleaning bases, plus a moderate price that keeps the accountant happy. Keep an eye on oxidation by storing it cool and well sealed and remember that a little lifts while too much can push the blend into leafy territory.
All told this is a playful hardworking molecule worth having on the bench whether you are building a sparkling apple shampoo or a sophisticated pear-laced eau de parfum.