(Z)-2-penten-1-ol

(Z)-2-penten-1-ol, also referred to as cis-2-pentenol or Nor leaf alcohol, is an unsaturated primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₅H₁₀O. Classified as a flavor and fragrance compound, it appears as a colorless liquid with characteristic green and slightly fruity notes reminiscent of cherry and floral scents. This compound is linked in professional chemical databases such as PubChem and represents a valuable ingredient derived from nature and synthetic processes. It commonly occurs in essential oils and natural food products, contributing to their distinctive aroma and taste profiles. The compound's sensory profile makes it useful in perfuming agents and flavor applications across food and cosmetic formulations.

(Z)-2-penten-1-ol naturally occurs in a broad range of foods and plants including grilled beef, broadbean, guava, kiwi fruit, mango, oats, olive oil, oysters, passion fruit, petitgrain grapefruit oil, potatoes, sardines, tea, jasmine green tea, and cooked turbot. It serves important roles as a flavor and fragrance agent providing green, cherry, floral, and fruity olfactory notes. This compound is incorporated into both flavoring formulations and perfuming agents. According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) (US), (Z)-2-penten-1-ol is listed under FEMA number 4305 and is generally recognized as safe for use in food products under specified concentration limits. Additionally, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) (Global) provides guidelines for its safe use in fragrances.

(Z)-2-penten-1-ol is a moderately volatile, colorless liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 86.13 g/mol. Its specific gravity ranges from about 0.849 to 0.856 at 25 °C, indicating it is less dense than water. The compound exhibits a refractive index between 1.433 and 1.439 at 20 °C. It has a vapor pressure of approximately 2.4 mmHg at 25 °C, reflecting moderate volatility. Its estimated octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) is around 1.15, suggesting moderate hydrophobicity. Solubility is noted to be complete or partial in alcohols and less so in water. The flash point is near 48 °C (119 °F), indicating flammability that requires careful handling. These properties influence its behavior in formulations, affecting volatility, dispersibility, and miscibility characteristics relevant to flavor and fragrance product design.

	(Z)-pent-2-en-1-ol
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	1576-95-0
Pubchem (cid):	5364919
Pubchem (sid):	134981189
Flavornet:	1576-95-0

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEMBL:	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2905.29.9000
Typical G.C.
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 10 - Flammable. R 38 - Irritating to skin. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 16 - Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for (Z)-2-penten-1-ol usage levels up to:
	2.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 23
Click here to view publication 23
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		10.00000	50.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		5.00000	25.00000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		5.00000	25.00000
cheese:		7.00000	35.00000
chewing gum:		-	-
condiments / relishes:		5.00000	25.00000
confectionery froastings:		10.00000	50.00000
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		5.00000	25.00000
fish products:		2.00000	10.00000
frozen dairy:		7.00000	35.00000
fruit ices:		10.00000	50.00000
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		20.00000	100.00000
hard candy:		-	-
imitation dairy:		7.00000	35.00000
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		20.00000	100.00000
meat products:		2.00000	10.00000
milk products:		7.00000	35.00000
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		5.00000	25.00000
poultry:		2.00000	10.00000
processed fruits:		7.00000	35.00000
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		5.00000	25.00000
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		5.00000	25.00000
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		5.00000	25.00000

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):1576-95-0

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :5364919

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WISER:UN 1987

WGK Germany:3

(Z)-pent-2-en-1-ol

Chemidplus:0001576950