What Is Trans-2-Hexenyl Acetate?
Trans-2-Hexenyl acetate is an organic ester first characterised by chemists in the late 1920s while studying the natural aroma compounds of fresh fruit. It occurs in small amounts in apples, bananas and several leafy plants, but the material used in perfumery today is almost always produced synthetically. The industrial route is straightforward: trans-2-hexenol is reacted with acetic acid or acetic anhydride under acidic conditions, then purified to give a high-grade ingredient with assay values typically above 98 percent.
At room temperature the molecule appears as a clear colourless liquid that flows easily, much like a light cooking oil. It has a density just under 0.9 g per millilitre and a refractive index a touch above 1.425, figures that help a perfumer verify authenticity when the drum arrives. Since the flashpoint sits around 59 °C it is classed as flammable but not unusually so for a perfumery ester.
In terms of market use the material is widely available from several aroma chemical suppliers and is considered an affordable way to add freshness to a composition. You will find it on the formula sheets of fine fragrances as well as in everyday products such as shampoos, softeners and candles. Its stability profile is good enough for most water-based and surfactant-rich applications, so formulators reach for it often when they need a quick burst of realism in a fruity accord.
What Does Trans-2-Hexenyl Acetate Smell Like?
Perfumers place this molecule squarely in the fruity family. Off a blotter it opens with the crisp sweetness of biting into a green apple, edged by a gentle banana nuance and a freshly cut grass vibe that keeps the fruit from feeling syrupy. The sweetness is clean and light rather than sticky, which lets it pair nicely with citrus notes or verdant aromatics without overpowering them.
In the classical top-middle-base pyramid this ingredient lives firmly in the top zone. It flashes bright and lively within the first few minutes, sets the scene, then steadily hands the stage to softer middle notes after an hour or so. Projection is noticeable but not room-filling, giving a comfortable halo around the wearer. Longevity is on the shorter side at roughly two to three hours on skin, yet that quick lift is precisely why perfumers reach for it when they need an immediate fruity spark.
How & Where To Use Trans-2-Hexenyl Acetate
This is one of those easygoing materials that behaves nicely on the bench. It pours cleanly, blends without fuss and gives an instant fruit pop as soon as it hits the alcohol.
Perfumers bring it in when they want crisp juicy apple or a natural banana lift at the very top of a fragrance. It can act as a solo accent but more often forms part of a larger fruity accord alongside hexyl acetate, cis-3-hexenol or traces of peach lactone. Because it carries a hint of leafy green it also bridges smoothly into herbals and tea notes, helping the transition from sparkling citrus to floral heart.
Usage levels typically sit anywhere from a whisper at 0.05 percent in an eau de parfum up to around 3 percent in fresh colognes or functional products. Go toward the higher end in shampoos, softeners and candles where evaporation or wash off dulls the effect. Above roughly 2 percent the sweetness becomes dominant and can feel candy-like rather than natural so most perfumers dial it back for fine fragrance.
Concentration changes its character. At very low levels it merely freshens an apple note. Mid-range it reads as ripe banana and sliced pear. Push it higher and a lush green facet appears that can clash with delicate florals, so balance is key.
No special prep is needed beyond making a 10 percent dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. This gives you finer dosing control and safer smelling sessions. The neat material is stable in most bases but avoid prolonged contact with strong alkalis which can hydrolyse the ester and dull its scent.
Safely Information
Like all aroma materials trans-2-hexenyl acetate calls for sensible precautions before you start blending.
- Always dilute before evaluation: work from a 10 percent solution on a blotter rather than sniffing the concentrate
- Avoid direct inhalation: never smell straight from the bottle instead waft vapour toward your nose from a distance
- Ensure good ventilation: mix and weigh in a space with adequate air flow to keep vapour build-up low
- Protect skin and eyes: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to minimise accidental contact or splashes
- Health considerations: esters can trigger irritation or allergic responses in sensitive individuals so limit exposure time, seek medical advice if pregnant or breastfeeding and note that repeated high level contact may pose risks
Always review the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier, check it regularly for updates and follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels to keep every creation safe and compliant.
Storage And Disposal
Handled correctly, trans-2-hexenyl acetate retains full strength for about two years after production, sometimes longer when opened sparingly. Cool temperatures slow oxidation so the fresher the storage conditions the longer the crisp apple aroma stays intact.
A refrigerator extends shelf life but is optional. A cabinet kept below 20 °C, shielded from sunlight and heat sources, is usually sufficient. Store the bottle upright in a dark spot to avoid light triggered breakdown.
Limit air contact. Fit polycone caps on both neat material and dilutions and steer clear of dropper tops that rarely seal well. As stock is used transfer the remaining liquid to smaller vessels so headspace stays minimal.
Clear labelling prevents mix-ups: note the material name, batch, date opened, hazard pictograms and any IFRA limits on every container. Good practice today avoids costly mistakes tomorrow.
Minor spills can be absorbed with paper or vermiculite then placed in sealed waste, while larger quantities should go to a licensed disposal contractor. The ester biodegrades under normal wastewater treatment yet concentrated amounts can overload local systems so never tip leftovers down the drain. Rinse empties with a splash of alcohol, let them dry, then recycle glass or metal according to municipal rules.
Summary
Trans-2-hexenyl acetate is the go-to fruity top note that delivers green apple, banana and cut grass brightness in seconds. It is inexpensive, easy to blend and pops in everything from fine fragrance to shampoo.
Its quick lift, broad compatibility and friendly price keep it popular among perfumers looking to energise citrus, tea, pear or apple accords. Just remember its short life on skin, manage dosage to avoid candy sweetness and pair it with longer lasting partners for best results.
Store it cool, keep bottles full and tightly sealed and this lively little ester will stay ready to add a fun burst of freshness to almost any formula.