MOLECULE

3-Octen-2-one

3-Octen-2-one, also known as FEMA 3416, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as enones. Enones are compounds containing the enone functional group, with the structure RC(=O)CR'. 3-Octen-2-one is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Two different isomers of 3-octen-2-one exist, the cis (Z) and the trans (E) isomer. The trans isomer is more functionally important. E-3-Octen-2-one is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, berry, butter, lemon or spicy odor. 3-octen-2-one has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as potatoes, green vegetables, cereals and cereal products (barley), rooibos tea, fishes, and nuts. This could make 3-octen-2-one a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. 3-Octen-2-one is one of several ketones found in Cannabis sativa (PMID: 6991645).