MOLECULE

3-Hexen-1-ol-acetate

3-Hexenyl acetate also known as 3-Hexen-1-ol-acetate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as esters. These are carboxylic acid derivatives in which the acid hydrogen atom has been replaced by an alkyl moiety, forming an ester group. 3-Hexenyl acetate is an acetate ester that results from the formal condensation of acetic acid with (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol or (E)-hex-3-en-1-ol, for this reason there are two 3-hexenyl-acetate isomers, trans- and cis-hexenyl-acetate. Cis-3-hexenyl acetate is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Cis-3-hexenyl acetate is a sweet, apple, and banana tasting compound and it is therefore used as a food additive. Cis-3-hexenyl acetate has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods such as tamarinds, sunburst squash (pattypan squash), carobs, pepper (C. baccatum), and swedes. 3-Hexenyl acetate has also been detected as a volatile component of cannabis samples obtained in police seizures (PMID: 26657499).