cis3hexenol

Cis-3-hexenol, also known as (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol, is a six-carbon alkenol that contributes a green, grassy odor. It is one of the green leaf volatiles produced by plants and occurs in many tissues, particularly after mechanical damage or during development.

In plants, cis-3-hexenol is formed in the lipoxygenase pathway from linolenic acid. The initial cleavage products include cis-3-hexenal, which is subsequently reduced by alcohol dehydrogenases to cis-3-hexenol. The compound can be further modified by acetyltransferases to form cis-3-hexenyl acetate, another green leaf volatile involved in storage and signaling.

Applications of cis-3-hexenol arise from its characteristic grassy scent. It is used as a fragrance ingredient and flavoring agent to impart fresh, green notes in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products. The compound is also of interest in studies of plant-insect and plant-plant interactions, as well as in post-harvest physiology and aroma science.

Properties and safety: cis-3-hexenol has the formula C6H12O and is relatively volatile. In nature it is usually present in trace amounts alongside related GLVs such as cis-3-hexenal and cis-3-hexenyl acetate. As with many aroma compounds, exposure at very high concentrations can be irritating, but it is generally used safely in consumer products when formulated within established guidelines.