Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate: What Is It?
You know that sharp, green rush that fills the air when you mow a lawn? This is the molecule bottling that sensation. Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is one of the most recognisable members of perfumery's "green" family. It carries the vivid, juicy impression of a freshly torn leaf, a crushed stem, or ripe fruit peel.
It occurs naturally in trace amounts in green leaves and many fruits; in perfumery the pure form is typically synthetically produced. Being a liquid, no stock-solution preparation is required — you can weigh it directly by drops.
Scent Profile and Function
This molecule doesn't wait for the top note to fade before stepping in — it takes the stage in the very first seconds. It is extremely volatile, and it shines in the opening of a composition.
Its character can be summed up as "green-leafy", yet it hides several layers within:
- Green / vegetal: Freshly mown grass, crushed leaves, stem sap.
- Fruity-watery: Unripe pear, green apple, a rawness close to fresh courgette.
- Sharp peak: Overdose it and it can become almost breath-catching in its pungency.
Its position in the fragrance pyramid is clear: top note. Its contribution to longevity is low — because longevity is determined not by concentration but by the raw material's volatility. This molecule evaporates quickly; its role is to make the opening feel fresh and convincing, not to linger in the dry-down. Leave the long finale to musks like Tonalide and balsamic base notes like Labdanum Absolute Super Premium.
How to Use It and at What Rate?
This is one of the rare materials where "less is more" truly applies. Overdo it and you'll drown the composition in green, or even leave a harsh, chemical edge. Correct use means a trace touch.
| Purpose | Typical rate (within composition) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Subtle freshness / naturalising touch | 0.05–0.3% | Lends a "living stem" feel to floral and fruity accords |
| Distinct green theme | 0.3–1% | Noticeable character in green/fougère openings |
| Foreground green accent | 1–2% | Handle with care; the top can become very sharp |
Solubility and Blending
Because Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate is a liquid, preparing a stock solution (dilution) is not strictly necessary; it can be weighed directly. That said, since the usage rate is so low, preparing a 10% pre-dilution is advisable for accuracy — even a single drop can overwhelm a formula.
| Solvent | Behaviour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol (perfumer's alcohol) | Dissolves clearly | Ideal for perfume formulas |
| DPG (dipropylene glycol) | Dissolves clearly | Practical for stock solutions; non-volatile |
| IPM (isopropyl myristate) | Soluble | For oil-based / alcohol-free applications |
- Weigh
For a 10% pre-dilution: 1 g of material + 9 g DPG (10 g total). Always weigh by grams.
- Mix
Being a liquid-liquid mixture, no heat is required. Gently swirl at room temperature or stir with a magnetic stirrer for a few minutes.
- Don't confuse ml and g
The density of this material is approximately 0.89–0.90 g/ml; i.e. 1 ml ≈ 0.90 g. Volumetric measurement will leave you short or over — this is why grams are preferred.
- Label
Write the stock concentration, date, and solvent on the bottle. You'll thank yourself tomorrow when you can't remember "which dilution was this?"
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
A few practical pointers, then the most common questions. The rest is your signature.
- Smell first, then dose: It is pungent in its pure state; you'll only understand its true character in a 1% blotter test.
- Tuck it beneath the flower: Add around 0.1% to rose, jasmine, or freesia accords and a "just-picked" quality appears.
- For the opening, not the finish: It's volatile; look to musks and balsams for longevity.
- Macerate correctly: Rest your finished fragrance at room temperature (~15–20 °C) in the dark. Maceration slows as temperature drops. If there is a risk of precipitation, apply cold filtration (~0–4 °C) for a short period after maceration.
What is the difference between Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate and Cis-3-Hexenol?
Should I prefer natural or synthetic?
Where can I buy this material, and what pack size should I start with?
Related Articles
Labdanum Absolute Super Premium: What It Is & How to Use It in Perfumery
Scent profile and role of Labdanum Absolute Super Premium in perfumery, recommended usage rate, solubility, and formulation tips.
Read →Tonalide: What It Is & How to Use It in Perfumery
Scent profile and role of Tonalide in perfumery, recommended usage rate, solubility, powder/solid dilution tips, and formula guidance.
Read →Damascone Delta: What It Is & How to Use It in Perfumery
Scent profile and role of Damascone Delta in perfumery, recommended usage rate, solubility, and formula guidance.
Read →