What Is Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate?
Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate is an aroma chemical first described in the early 1960s when researchers were mapping the compounds that give freshly cut leaves their characteristic scent. Chemically it is an ester, produced when cis-3-hexenol reacts with propionic acid. Although the same molecule appears in trace amounts in nature, especially in green leafy plants, the version used in perfumery is almost always made in a lab. This synthetic route gives steady quality and keeps the material free from the seasonal swings that affect natural sources.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear fluid that flows easily and carries no noticeable color. It is slightly lighter than water and refracts light a bit more than everyday liquids, details that help a chemist confirm purity. The flashpoint is safely above average room heat so routine handling in a fragrance studio poses minimal fire risk.
Because the manufacturing process involves common feedstocks and straightforward equipment, Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate sits in the affordable bracket of green materials. That price point, together with its high assay of more than 98 percent, explains why you will find it in everything from high end fine fragrances to everyday soaps and cleaners. Most perfumers keep at least a small bottle on hand, using it as a reliable building block whenever they want to add a realistic leafy nuance.
What Does Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate Smell Like?
Perfumers place this molecule in the green family. On a smelling blotter it opens with a crisp snap that instantly recalls crushed stems and fresh cut vegetables. There is a light fatty nuance that softens the sharp greenery, followed by a faint hint of sweet fruit that keeps the effect natural rather than harsh.
Think of a perfume structure as a pyramid built from top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first you notice, middle notes form the heart and base notes linger the longest. Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate behaves as a lively top note that edges into the early middle stage. It brightens the first impression of a blend then slowly fades, usually within two to three hours.
Projection is moderate to strong in the opening minutes, giving a clear burst of leafy freshness. As the molecule settles it pulls closer to the skin and its presence becomes more subtle. While it does not have the staying power of heavy bases, its longevity is respectable for a green top note and often outlasts citrus materials that share the same tier.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate
This is a friendly material to work with. It pours easily, it does not stain, and it behaves well during blending. The scent is instantly recognisable, so a quick sniff on a strip tells you exactly what it will bring to the mix.
Perfumers reach for it when they want a vivid green flash that feels like crushed leaves rather than citrus or herbs. A few drops lift a floral bouquet, giving roses or muguet a “just picked” vibe. It is also common in fruit accords where the target is realism. A trace can turn a flat pear or apple note into something freshly sliced. Paired with galbanum, hexyl acetate or cis-3-hexenol it builds classic leafy accords that sit at the top of a scent. Because it carries a faint fatty backdrop it smooths harsher greens and helps them blend into the heart.
The usual dose ranges from a mere trace up to about 3 % of the concentrate, though some detergent and candle formulas push closer to 5 % for extra punch. At very low levels it adds “breath” to a composition without shouting its own name. Above 1 % the vegetable side becomes obvious and can dominate lighter florals, so careful balancing is key. In high concentrations the fatty note grows and can feel oily if unsupported by brighter partners.
It performs well in most bases including alcohol, dipropylene glycol and candle wax. No special pre-dilution is needed, yet many perfumers keep a 10 % solution on hand for finer dosing. If you plan to add it to surfactant products like shampoo give the mix a gentle warm stir; this helps the ester distribute evenly and prevents clouding.
Safety Information
Working with aroma chemicals always calls for sensible precautions to keep the workspace safe and healthy.
- Always dilute before smelling: create a blotter or solution rather than sniffing straight from the bottle
- Ventilation: blend in a well-ventilated area so vapours do not build up
- Personal protective gear: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to shield skin and eyes from splashes
- Health considerations: some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before handling. Short contact with low levels is generally safe but long or high exposure can be harmful
Always review the latest material safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines on maximum usage to ensure every formula stays within accepted safety limits.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate keeps its quality for roughly two to three years past the purchase date. After that the bright green character may dull as minor oxidation sets in.
Refrigeration is not essential yet a spot on the lower shelf of a household fridge can stretch the life of the bottle. If cold storage is not an option choose a cupboard that stays cool year-round, shielded from direct sunlight and sources of heat such as radiators or hot plates.
Air is the main enemy of esters like this one. Use containers that seal tightly and fit a polycone cap on any working dilution. Dropper tops let oxygen creep in and should be avoided. Decant into smaller bottles as the level falls so the remaining liquid sits in a full container with minimal headspace.
Label everything clearly with the name of the material, the strength of any dilution, the batch or purchase date and the relevant hazard symbols. Good labelling prevents mix-ups and tells anyone sharing your workspace what they are handling at a glance.
Small household amounts can usually be flushed with plenty of running water then the empty bottle rinsed and recycled if local rules allow. Larger volumes or professional waste should go through a licensed chemical disposal service. The molecule is an ester that breaks down in the environment yet concentrated dumps can still harm aquatic life, so never pour bulk leftovers into drains or soil.
Summary
Cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate is a lab made ester that mimics the scent of crushed green leaves with a soft fruity twist. It shines as a top note, lifts florals and fruit accords and even freshens functional products like detergents and candles. Affordable, stable and easy to dose it has earned a regular spot on perfumers’ benches worldwide.
Its popularity comes from its clear identity and the way it bridges natural realism with good technical performance. Keep an eye on air exposure to avoid oxidation, mind the relatively quick burn off in a blend and enjoy experimenting because this is a fun ingredient that slots into countless creative directions.