FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-2-hexen-1-ol (CAS: 928-95-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-2-hexen-1-ol
• IUPAC Name: (E)-hex-2-en-1-ol
• CAS Number: 928-95-0
• FEMA Number: 3170
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.084
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O
• Molecular Weight: 100.16 g/mol

(E)-2-hexen-1-ol is an unsaturated alcohol characterized by the presence of a double bond, which contributes to its distinct odor profile. The functional groups include an alcohol group and an alkene, which are crucial for its sensory attributes, particularly its green, leafy odor reminiscent of freshly cut grass.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-2-hexen-1-ol is known for its fresh, green, and grassy odor, often described as reminiscent of freshly cut grass or leaves. It has a moderate intensity and is typically used as an impact note in formulations to impart a natural, green freshness. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-2-hexen-1-ol is naturally found in various plants and fruits, including apples, bananas, and green tea. It is often formed through enzymatic degradation of fatty acids in plant tissues, a process that can occur during mechanical damage or ripening. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its widespread occurrence in nature.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-2-hexen-1-ol is utilized in flavor formulations to provide a fresh, green note, enhancing the authenticity of fruit and vegetable flavors. It is commonly used in apple, pear, and green tea flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character. It is used across various fragrance families, including floral, green, and fruity compositions. Its role is often as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.084.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but deemed low risk by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-2-hexen-1-ol is prized for its ability to impart a natural, green freshness to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and fruity notes, enhancing the overall authenticity of the composition. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate blends and should consider its stability under varying conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-2-hexen-1-ol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-04-11 19:51:42 GMT (p2)