ethyl 2-hexenoate

Ethyl 2-hexenoate is an organic ester with the molecular formula C₈H₁₄O₂. It appears as a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a medium-strength fruity odor reminiscent of rum, green fruits, and tropical nuances such as grape and apple. Also known under synonyms including ethyl hex-2-enoate and 2-hexenoic acid ethyl ester, it is widely used for its characteristic fruity and juicy notes in flavor and fragrance industries. The compound is naturally found in several fruits and beverages including guava, papaya, passion fruit, and various wines, linking its sensory profile to tropical and fruity aroma types. For detailed chemical information, it is catalogued under PubChem (CID 519129). Ethyl 2-hexenoate is typically sourced or synthesized for industrial applications rather than extracted in pure form from natural sources.

Ethyl 2-hexenoate occurs naturally in a variety of botanical and fermented products such as brandy, apple brandy, guava fruit, mountain papaya, passion fruit juice, quince, soursop, and both red and white wines. Its biological presence emphasizes its relevance to fruity and tropical aroma profiles. This compound is utilized extensively as a flavor and fragrance ingredient to impart fruity, green, juicy, and sweet notes. Predominantly applied within flavor formulations involving tropical fruit essence, it also finds use in fragrance compositions for apple, banana, grape, guava, pineapple, raspberry, and strawberry accords. According to FEMA (US), ethyl 2-hexenoate is recognized and assigned FEMA number 4613 for use in flavoring substances. Its applicability in formulations is supported by sensory versatility and compliance with flavor industry standards.

Ethyl 2-hexenoate has a moderate molecular weight of approximately 142.2 g/mol, with physical properties influencing its formulation behavior. Its boiling point ranges from 167 to 174°C at atmospheric pressure, which supports its volatility suitable for flavor delivery. The compound's refractive index lies between 1.43 and 1.44 at 20°C, and it has a specific gravity ranging from 0.895 to 0.905 at the same temperature, consistent with typical ester liquids. Its vapor pressure at 25°C is low (around 1.322 mmHg), indicating moderate volatility contributing to sustained aroma release. The estimated logP value of 2.91 reflects balanced lipophilicity, favoring solubility in organic solvents such as alcohol, while its water solubility is limited but noticeable (estimated 480.5 mg/L at 25°C). The flash point is approximately 62°C (144°F), relevant for safe handling and processing. These properties collectively support its use as a stable aroma and flavor agent with appropriate volatility and compatibility.

	ethyl hex-2-enoate
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	1552-67-6
Pubchem (cid):	519129
Pubchem (sid):	135198879

(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
FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	HMDB32268
FooDB:	FDB009391
YMDB (Yeast Metabolome Database):	YMDB01365
Export Tariff Code:	2916.19.6000
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 38 - Irritating to skin. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24 - Avoid contact with skin. S 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
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:
oral-mouse LD50 > 8000 mg/kg Mostly used in rum and alcoholic flavors, can also be used in other fruity applications.
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 ethyl 2-hexenoate usage levels up to:
	5.0000 % 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: 24
Click here to view publication 24
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		0.50000	3.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	-
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	-
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		0.50000	3.00000
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	-
fruit ices:		-	-
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	-
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		0.50000	3.00000
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :519129

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WISER:UN 1993

WGK Germany:2

ethyl hex-2-enoate

Chemidplus:0001552676