This section provides an overview of cis-3-hexenol (leaf alcohol or cis-3-hexen-1-ol), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in food, flavour, fragrance, and agricultural industries. Also, please check out the introduction to cis-3-hexenol manufacturers, supply chain issues, cis-3-hexenol suppliers, and cis-3-hexenol prices. Sinofi can help you buy cis-3-hexenol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2563 and CAS 928-96-1.
Table of Contents
What is Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol)?
Cis-3-Hexenol, also named leaf alcohol, is one of the most important aroma chemicals in the flavour and fragrance industry. It is prized for its intensely fresh, green, and natural character. And it is essential for creating authentic fruit, vegetable, and herbal flavour profiles. cis-3-Hexenol belongs to the class of unsaturated alcohols and carries the systematic name cis-hex-3-en-1-ol. The cis (Z) configuration of the double bond at the 3-position is critical to its organoleptic properties. The trans isomer exists but exhibits a notably different and less desirable sensory profile. This geometric specificity underscores the importance of sourcing high-purity material for flavour applications. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cis-3-hexenol is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Cis-3-Hexenol has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. From a regulatory standpoint, cis-3-hexenol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in the United States and is approved for use as a flavouring substance in the European Union, where it is listed in the Union List of Flavourings. The fragrance standard of cis-3-hexenol has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Odor Threshold and Sensory Profile
The odour of cis-3-hexenol is intensely green, fresh, and grassy, with facets reminiscent of freshly cut leaves, unripe banana, and raw vegetables. At low concentrations, it provides a natural lift and freshness; at higher levels, it can become overly pungent or herbaceous. The threshold of detection is quite low, generally reported in the range of 70 to 100 parts per billion in water, which necessitates careful dosing in formulation work. In taste applications, leaf alcohol contributes a crisp, green, and slightly fatty mouthfeel that enhances the perception of freshness in fruit and vegetable flavours. It is particularly effective in supporting top-note impact and improving the overall naturalness of a flavour composition.
In fragrance formulation, cis-3-hexenol is essential for creating green, fresh, and outdoor-inspired scents, appearing in iconic perfumes such as Chanel No. 19 and Cristalle. The flavour industry utilizes the compound to impart natural green notes to beverages, confectionery, and dairy products. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics, while household product formulators use it in air fresheners and cleaning products.
Natural Occurrence
Cis-3-Hexenol occurs widely in nature as a component of the “green leaf volatile” complex. It is generated enzymatically when plant tissues are damaged, contributing to the characteristic fresh-cut grass aroma. The compound has been identified in numerous botanical sources, including tea leaves, fruits such as apples and strawberries, vegetables, herbs, and wine grapes. Its ubiquity in the plant kingdom makes it a valuable tool for imparting natural, recognizable green notes in formulated flavours.
CAS No.: 928-96-1
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of cis-3-hexenol is 928-96-1.
CAS Name: cis-3-Hexen-1-ol
Molecular Formula: C6H12O
Molecular Mass: 100.16
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 315
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 156.50 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol; Insoluble in water.
Other Names:
♦ 3-Hexen-1-ol, (3Z)-
♦ 3-Hexen-1-ol, (Z)-
♦ 3-Hexen-1-ol, cis-
♦ Leaf alcohol
♦ cis-3-Hexenol
♦ cis-3-Hexen-1-ol
♦ cis-3-Hexene-1-ol
♦ cis-3-Hexenyl alcohol
Cis-3-Hexenol Odor
Odor Strength: High, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less.
Substantivity: 4 hours at 100.00 %.
Odor Description: At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol, fresh green cut grass, foliage, vegetable, herbal, oily.
FEMA Number 2563
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of cis-3-hexenol is 2563.
Bulk Cis-3-Hexenol Manufacturers
The global production of cis-3-hexenol exhibits significant concentration, with the top three manufacturers controlling approximately 85% of global production capacity. Top cis-3-hexenol manufacturers like ZEON, NHU, and DSM-Firmenich have controlled approximately 85% of the global market share. This concentration creates both stability through established supply relationships and vulnerability to disruptions at any major facility. Chinese cis-3-hexenol manufacturers have emerged as a dominant force in the leaf alcohol production, controlling substantial capacity for key intermediates, including 3-hexenyl acetate.
Sinofi is a bulk cis-3-hexenol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of cis-3-hexen-1-ol. We supply high-quality cis-3-hexenol at bulk prices and serve food, flavour, fragrance, and agricultural industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol)
The manufacture of cis-3-hexenol represents a well-established domain of industrial organic chemistry, with catalytic hydrogenation of alkyne precursors serving as the dominant production technology.
Selective Hydrogenation of 3-Hexyn-1-ol
The predominant industrial method for producing cis-3-hexenol involves the partial hydrogenation of 3-hexyn-1-ol, the corresponding alkyne precursor. This two-stage process begins with the synthesis of 3-hexyn-1-ol, typically achieved through the reaction of propargyl alcohol with ethylmagnesium bromide (a Grignard reagent) or via the ethynylation of butyraldehyde, followed by appropriate functional group manipulations.
Biotechnological Production
Emerging biotechnological approaches seek to replicate the natural biosynthetic pathway. In plants, cis-3-hexenol arises from the enzymatic degradation of linolenic acid through the sequential action of lipoxygenase, hydroperoxide lyase, and alcohol dehydrogenase. Research efforts have explored the use of isolated enzyme systems or engineered microorganisms expressing these enzymes to convert fatty acid substrates into the target alcohol. While this green chemistry approach offers sustainability advantages and eliminates the need for precious metal catalysts, challenges related to enzyme stability, substrate costs, and volumetric productivity currently constrain commercial viability.
Natural Extraction
Natural cis-3-hexenol is derived primarily from Mentha arvensis (wild mint) through fractional distillation of mentha oil. India serves as the primary source of natural cis-3-hexenol, with processors extracting the compound from mint terpenes.
Bulk Cis-3-Hexenol Suppliers
The bulk cis-3-hexenol market presents buyers with a diverse supplier base spanning multinational chemical companies and specialized fragrance houses. Top cis-3-hexenol manufacturers like ZEON, NHU, and DSM-Firmenich specialize in high-purity fragrance ingredients and play significant roles in the cis-3-hexenol market. Chinese cis-3-hexenol suppliers have significantly expanded their supply of synthetic and natural leaf alcohol to serve increasing demand from domestic and international personal care brands. These companies benefit from lower production costs and proximity to rapidly growing consumer markets in Asia.
Sinofi is a bulk cis-3-hexenol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality cis-3-hexen-1-ol. We sell different grades of cis-3-hexenol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in food, flavour, fragrance, and agricultural industries.
Supply Chain of Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol)
The cis-3-hexenol supply chain represents a mature but evolving market characterized by concentrated production, divergent synthetic and natural production pathways, and growing sustainability imperatives.
Supply Chain Structure
The cis-3-hexenol supply chain comprises five distinct tiers, from raw material sourcing through final consumer product integration.
Upstream: Raw Materials and Inputs
The upstream segment of the cis-3-hexenol supply chain diverges based on production methodology—synthetic or natural extraction. The primary synthetic route utilizes butadiene and formaldehyde as starting materials. Over 80% of biotechnical synthesis relies on patented enzymatic catalysis methods, with three European chemical firms holding the dominant intellectual property.
Leaf Alcohol Manufacturers
Japan historically led global production, followed by China as the second-largest production region. India dominates natural leaf alcohol production through its extensive mint cultivation and processing infrastructure.
Distribution Channels
The cis-3-hexenol market employs three primary distribution channels. Direct sales dominate for large-volume purchasers, enabling deeper business relationships and technical support arrangements. Regional leaf alcohol distributors provide broader market access, warehousing capabilities, and logistics management for medium-volume buyers. Online retail has emerged as a third channel, particularly serving niche markets and smaller businesses requiring flexible purchasing options with real-time order tracking.
End-Use Applications
Application segmentation reveals flavour and fragrance as the dominant end-use, accounting for approximately 67% of global consumption. Food flavouring represents the second-largest application at roughly 23%, while household products comprise the remaining 10%. The compound’s versatility allows integration into fine perfumes, personal care products, fruit and mint flavours, air fresheners, cleaning products, and scented candles.
Wholesale and Buy Cis-3-Hexenol in Bulk
Purchasing cis-3-hexenol in wholesale quantities delivers several tangible benefits to manufacturing operations. Volume-based pricing typically yields cost reductions of 15-30% compared to smaller order quantities, directly improving production margins. Bulk arrangements also reduce administrative overhead by consolidating procurement activities and minimizing the frequency of purchase orders, quality inspections, and logistics coordination.
Key Considerations for Wholesale Buyers
Successful bulk procurement of cis-3-hexenol requires attention to several critical factors. Purity specifications represent a primary concern, as cis-3-hexenol is typically available in grades ranging from 95% to 99% purity. The appropriate grade depends on the intended application, with fragrance compounding generally requiring higher purity than industrial uses. Leaf alcohol buyers should ensure suppliers can provide certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets, and any regulatory compliance documentation relevant to their specific market and use case.
Supplier Selection Criteria
Identifying qualified leaf alcohol suppliers involves assessing several dimensions of capability and reliability. Manufacturing credentials, including ISO certifications and Good Manufacturing Practice compliance, indicate operational quality standards. Established suppliers typically offer greater consistency in product quality and more robust technical support capabilities.
As a bulk cis-3-hexenol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in food, flavour, fragrance, and agricultural industries. We also supply leaf alcohol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy cis-3-hexenol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell leaf alcohol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Cis-3-Hexenol Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Cis-3-Hexenol Prices (GC Content >=98%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 18USD | Express |
| 500g | 91 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 130 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >30% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The cis-3-hexenol market exhibits substantial price stratification depending on grade, origin, and purchase volume. Bulk synthetic prices currently range from $60-130/kg, representing a purity of 98%. However, this baseline masks dramatic premiums for specialty applications. Natural cis-3-hexenol commands premium pricing, typically 50-100% above synthetic variants, though scaled production and carbon credit incentives narrowed this gap during these two years.
The historical pricing trajectory of cis-3-hexenol represents one of the more dramatic shifts in the specialty aroma chemicals sector. According to UK-based Pell Wall Perfumes, the material has experienced “a very large increase in the price, taking it from one of the cheapest materials to one of the most expensive” following months of supply shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic initiated this transformation through cascading supply chain disruptions. China’s industrial production declined 13.5% during early 2020, creating immediate shortages of key aroma chemicals. India’s nationwide lockdown beginning March 24, 2020, compounded problems, particularly affecting mint cultivation, essential for natural hexenol production. By mid-2021, chemical distributors reported acute shortages: 85% experienced at least one imported item out-of-stock, up from 47% just three months earlier. The 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict further disrupted raw material flows, with European imports of certain materials declining 40%. Over 30% of European manufacturers experienced production halts due to supply chain challenges that year. In mid-2022, due to supply shortages, the cis-3-hexenol prices soared to 530 USD/kg in the European and American markets.
Furthermore, the above cis-3-hexenol price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of cis-3-hexen-1-ol. However, the bulk wholesale prices of leaf alcohol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Cis-3-Hexenol Specification
| Appearance | Colorless, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Fresh green cut grass foliage, vegetables, herbs, oily. |
| Purity (GC, %) | >= 98 |
| Density (20°C) | 0.846 – 0.850 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.438 – 1.442 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | <=0.5 |
Uses of Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol)
Cis-3-hexenol occupies a valuable position across multiple industries due to its distinctive sensory properties and natural occurrence. From high-end perfumery to food manufacturing and agricultural research, its ability to evoke the fresh scent of green foliage makes it an enduring ingredient in products designed to connect consumers with nature.
Applications in Flavour Formulation
In flavour development, leaf alcohol serves multiple functions depending on the target profile. For fruit flavours, particularly apple, pear, and grape, it contributes the characteristic green-peel note that distinguishes fresh fruit from processed or cooked variants. Strawberry and raspberry formulations benefit from judicious additions to enhance the perception of freshness and unripeness that consumers associate with just-picked berries.
Vegetable flavours rely heavily on this ingredient. Cucumber, celery, bell pepper, and tomato profiles all require leaf alcohol to achieve authenticity. In tea flavours, especially green tea and oolong reconstructions, it is indispensable for capturing the freshly infused character. The compound also finds use in mint and herb flavours, where it reinforces the green, stem-like aspects of the profile.
From a technical standpoint, typical usage levels in finished flavours range from 0.1% to 2%, though the final application concentration in food products is considerably lower. It is freely miscible with ethanol, propylene glycol, and most flavour solvents. Stability is generally acceptable under normal storage conditions, though exposure to air and light can promote oxidation, leading to off-notes over time.
Applications in Fragrance and Perfumery
The fragrance industry employs cis-3-hexenol extensively across multiple categories. In fine fragrances, it appears in green floral compositions, fougères, and chypres, where it provides a natural, outdoor quality. It blends particularly well with galbanum, violet leaf, and other green notes to create lush, verdant accords.
Functional fragrances for household products, personal care, and air fresheners utilize this material to convey cleanliness and naturalness. Laundry detergents and fabric softeners frequently incorporate it to suggest freshly dried linens. In personal care, it enhances the perceived freshness of shampoos, body washes, and deodorants.
Usage levels in fragrance compounds typically range from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity of the green effect and the overall composition balance.
Benefits of Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol)
The benefits of cis-3-hexenol extend well beyond its appealing aroma. From its natural origin and environmental compatibility to its functional roles in plant defense and flavour enhancement, it offers advantages that serve commercial, agricultural, and sustainability objectives.
Flavour Enhancement Benefits
In food applications, cis-3-hexenol provides the benefit of authentic green, vegetable-like flavour notes that are difficult to replicate with other compounds. Its presence enhances the perceived freshness and natural character of processed foods, helping manufacturers deliver products that more closely approximate the taste of fresh ingredients. This benefit proves particularly valuable in fruit and vegetable preparations, tea products, and other foods where green notes contribute to the expected flavour profile.
Natural Origin and Sustainability Advantages
One of the most significant benefits of cis-3-hexenol lies in its natural provenance. As a compound produced by living plants, it appeals to manufacturers and consumers seeking ingredients derived from nature rather than synthesized entirely through petrochemical processes. This natural origin aligns with growing market demand for clean-label products and sustainable sourcing practices. While synthetic production methods exist and are commonly used for commercial supply, the compound’s presence throughout the plant kingdom provides a foundation of consumer trust and acceptance that purely artificial ingredients may lack.
The biodegradability of leaf alcohol presents another environmental advantage. As a naturally occurring volatile organic compound, it breaks down readily in the environment without persisting or accumulating in ecosystems, making it a more environmentally responsible choice compared to certain synthetic alternatives used in fragrances and flavours.
Cis-3-Hexenol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Cis-3-Hexenol occupies a specialized but significant role in the e-liquid and vaping products sector. Its distinctive green, fresh character enables flavour chemists to craft more authentic and complex taste experiences, particularly in fruit, tea, and botanical formulations.
Applications in E-Liquid Formulations
Within the e-liquid manufacturing sector, cis-3-hexenol serves as a valuable tool for flavour chemists seeking to create complex, authentic taste profiles. Its primary applications include the following areas.
Fruit Flavour Enhancement
Many fruit-flavoured e-liquids incorporate cis-3-hexenol to achieve a more natural and authentic taste. The compound adds a fresh, green undertone that mimics the experience of consuming actual fruit. Apple, pear, grape, and melon flavours particularly benefit from small additions of this compound, as it replicates the subtle vegetal notes present in fresh produce.
Tea and Herbal Profiles
E-liquids designed to emulate tea, mint, or other botanical flavours frequently utilize cis-3-hexenol. The compound’s inherent grassiness complements and authenticates green tea formulations and can provide depth to more complex herbal blends.
Garden and Nature-Inspired Flavours
Some specialty e-liquid manufacturers have developed innovative flavour profiles inspired by outdoor environments, fresh gardens, or specific plant species. Cis-3-Hexenol proves essential in constructing these unique offerings, providing the foundational green character that defines such products.
Concentration and Formulation Considerations
The use of cis-3-hexenol in e-liquids requires careful attention to dosage. The compound possesses an exceptionally low odor threshold, meaning even minute quantities can significantly impact the final flavour profile. Typical usage rates in e-liquid applications range from 0.01% to 0.1% of the total formulation, though precise concentrations vary based on the desired intensity and the presence of other flavouring components.
Flavour chemists must also consider the compound’s interaction with other ingredients in the e-liquid base. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the primary carriers in most e-liquids, can affect how cis-3-hexenol volatilizes and delivers its characteristic aroma during vaporization. Additionally, the heating process inherent to vaping may alter the compound’s behavior compared to its performance in food and beverage applications.
Safety and Regulatory Landscape
Regulatory frameworks governing e-liquid ingredients continue to evolve across various jurisdictions. In the United States, the FDA’s authority over tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and their components, has prompted increased scrutiny of flavouring substances. The European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive similarly imposes requirements on e-liquid composition and ingredient disclosure. Manufacturers operating in these markets must navigate complex compliance obligations while monitoring ongoing regulatory developments.
A Formula for Tobacco Flavouring
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Acetic acid 0.3 parts, ethyl butyrate 0.3 parts, ethyl hexanoate 0.1 parts, ethyl heptanoate 0.2 parts, ethyl octanoate 0.2 parts, ethyl decanoate 0.1 parts, gamma-heptalactone 0.5 parts, gamma-octalactone 0.1 parts, delta-octalactone 0.08 parts, gamma-nonanolactone 1 part, delta-decalactone 0.5 parts, gamma-undecalactone 0.5 parts, heliotropin 0.3 parts, furfural 0.05 parts, octanal 0.08 parts, decanal 0.03 parts, vanillin 0.9 parts, ethyl vanillin 0.14 parts, maltol 0.05 parts, ethyl maltol 0.4 parts, Lactem 20 parts, frankincense essential oil 1 part, frankincense extract 8 parts, and solvent 65.17 parts (propylene glycol 40 parts, ethanol 25.17 parts).
In conclusion, cis-3-hexenol offers a range of benefits that span multiple industries and applications, from fragrance formulation to agricultural science. As a bulk leaf alcohol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of cis-3-hexenol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.