hexyl 2-methyl-3-pentenoate

Hexyl 2-methyl-3-pentenoate is a synthetic ester compound with the molecular formula C12H22O2. This compound appears as a clear liquid exhibiting medium-strength tropical and fruity odor notes, often described with hints of pear, melon, and a subtle spicy characteristic. Known under several synonyms such as hexyl 2-methylpent-3-en-1-oate, it falls within the flavor and fragrance agent category. Its sensory attributes contribute to its use in creating tropical and fruity aromas in various commercial products. Detailed chemical information can be accessed through its PubChem entry, which provides authoritative data on its structure and properties. This material is typically produced through synthetic routes involving esterification processes and is valued for its clean and sweet sensory profile.

Hexyl 2-methyl-3-pentenoate does not naturally occur in significant amounts but is synthetically manufactured for use primarily as a flavor and fragrance agent. It finds application in enhancing tropical and fruity notes in products such as beverages, confectionery, chewing gum, and nonalcoholic drinks. Its sensory profile serves as a modifier for melon, grape, apple, and pineapple flavors, offering a sweet, waxy, and spicy nuance. The compound is recognized under FEMA (US) regulation with the FEMA number 3693, which guides its use in flavorings considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Additionally, the compound is subject to IFRA (Global) guidelines recommending usage levels up to 2% in fragrance concentrates to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Hexyl 2-methyl-3-pentenoate is a clear liquid with moderate volatility, exhibiting a boiling range between 247 to 248°C at standard atmospheric pressure. It has a specific gravity ranging from 0.864 to 0.884 at 25°C and a refractive index between 1.424 and 1.444 at 20°C. This synthetic ester is moderately soluble in alcohol and has limited solubility in water, approximately 6.351 mg/L at 25°C. The compound’s estimated logP value of 4.532 indicates considerable lipophilicity, which influences its behavior in formulations, particularly its affinity for nonpolar solvents. Its vapor pressure is low at 0.026 mmHg at 25°C, contributing to its sustained fragrance substantivity measured at nineteen hours at full concentration. Proper storage can extend its shelf life to five years or longer, while its flash point of 214°F (approximately 101°C) suggests moderate flammability requiring standard handling precautions.

	hexyl 2-methylpent-3-enoate
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	6366072
Pubchem (sid):	135109272

(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):	HMDB40158
FooDB:	FDB019864
Export Tariff Code:	2916.19.6000
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
None - None found.
S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
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:
gavage-rat LD50 [sex: M/F] > 5000 mg/kg (Elleman, 1979)
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 hexyl 2-methyl-3-pentenoate usage levels up to:
	2.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU):		0.024 (μg/capita/day)
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: 13
Click here to view publication 13
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	-
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	0.40000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	0.40000
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	0.40000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	0.40000
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	-
fruit ices:		-	-
gelatins / puddings:		-	0.40000
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	0.40000
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:		-	-
soft candy:		-	0.40000
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):85508-08-3

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :6366072

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

hexyl 2-methylpent-3-enoate

Chemidplus:0085508083