cis-3 Hexenyl Benzoate Aroma Chemical
CAS# 25152-85-6

cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate (also known as (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl benzoate, CAS number 25152-85-6) is a complex ester that plays an important role in the global flavor, fragrance, and cosmetic industries. At room temperature, it exists as a clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid. Regarding its solubility, it is virtually insoluble in water but completely miscible in alcohol and various oils. In nature, this compound can be found in several plants and fruits, including black tea, green tea, jasmine tea, guava, bilberry, and feijoa fruit.

The most outstanding feature of cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is its rich sensory profile. Odor-wise, it provides a fresh green, herbaceous, and woody scent, combined with gentle floral (especially orchid) and balsamic notes. A major advantage over lighter green esters is its exceptionally low volatility, giving it a tenacity of over 8 hours on a smelling blotter and making it a perfect middle-to-base green note. In terms of taste, when used at low concentrations (around 10 ppm), it delivers a fatty, floral, green, fruity, and spicy flavor with woody nuances.

• Thanks to its multifaceted profile, cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is an indispensable ingredient in several fields:
  In perfumery: It is an excellent blender that helps smooth out sharp or harsh green notes. It also adds volume, depth, and naturality to white floral accords (such as jasmine, gardenia, and lily-of-the-valley) and fruity notes (like peach, apricot, cherry, and watermelon), while also working exceptionally well in fougère and chypre compositions.
• In the food and flavor industry: It is used as a flavoring agent in baked goods, candies, and beverages, and is particularly crucial for reconstructing authentic tea flavors. Its optimal usage level is very low, typically ranging from 1 to 10 ppm.
• In cosmetics and personal care: This compound is listed as functioning as an astringent, skin-conditioning agent, and perfuming agent, frequently incorporated into soaps, shampoos, shower gels, and skincare formulations.
• In agriculture and ecology: It can act as a plant distress signal or semiochemical, helping to repel certain agricultural pests like the brown marmorated stink bug or to attract beneficial insects.
  

Regulatory-wise, cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is an EU and FDA-approved food additive and is recognized as FEMA GRAS (number 3688). However, when handling the pure raw material, it is classified as a mild skin and eye irritant, a potential skin sensitizer (Skin Sensitization Category 1B), and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Therefore, when formulated into commercial cosmetics or fragrances, manufacturers must use appropriate concentrations to ensure the final product is safe, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for consumers.