Trans-2-Hexenal

Trans-2-Hexenal is an incisive green aldehyde with the vivid freshness of snapped leaves, tart apple skin and citrus peel.

Its energy is immediate, bringing a composition into focus with a crisp, almost electric line.

The material is more than a cut-grass effect. A spicy-fruity undertone allows it to animate apple, strawberry and tropical ideas, while its aldehydic sharpness can lend modernity to florals, colognes and green woods.

It captures the moment greenery is disturbed: a leaf torn open, a stem snapped or the skin of an unripe fruit cut by a blade. This vivid immediacy can make an accord feel startlingly present and alive.

Odour profile

The odour is strongly green and leafy, with sharp citrus, green-apple and spicy nuances.

It is bright, penetrating and highly recognisable, becoming more naturalistic and fruit-like as it is carefully diluted.

The opening is piercing and energetic, dominated by leaf sap, tart peel and green apple skin.

Its aldehydic character gives the note a clean, linear projection that commands attention even at very low levels.

With careful dilution, fruitier and more aromatic details emerge.

Citrus, spice and crisp orchard-fruit nuances soften the raw greenery, revealing a versatile material capable of both naturalistic and highly stylised effects.

Using Trans-2-Hexenal in perfumery

Trans-2-Hexenal can create freshly cut stems, leaf sap, fruit skin and crisp green top notes.

It is useful in apple, pear, strawberry, citrus, violet-leaf and botanical accords, and can add tension to soft florals or dry woody structures.

In botanical compositions, it can provide the flash of sap that makes leaves, stems and cut grass feel freshly rendered.

In apple, pear, strawberry and citrus accords, it brings tartness, peel and a convincing sense of unripened texture.

It can also introduce tension to rose, jasmine, violet-leaf and dry-wood structures, preventing softer materials from feeling static.

Because its impact is immediate, gradual dosing allows the desired green detail to remain precise and luxurious.

Creative pairings

Explore Trans-2-Hexenal with galbanum, violet leaf, cis-3-hexenol, bergamot, grapefruit, apple, pear, strawberry, basil, jasmine, cedarwood and vetiver.

Blend with cis-3-hexenol for a fuller green-leaf effect: the trans isomer brings fruity notes, while the cis isomer delivers pure green character.

Precision is essential: a trace can feel remarkably alive, while excess can dominate the entire opening.

For a vivid garden impression, combine it with galbanum, violet leaf, basil, jasmine and wet-earth materials such as geosmin.

For a crisp fruit direction, explore bergamot, grapefruit, apple, pear and strawberry, grounded by cedarwood, vetiver or transparent musk.

Product specification.

CAS No: 6728-26-3
Odour Description (decreasing): Green, Leafy, Fruity, Citrus, Spicy, Sharp
Odour Strength: High (recommend smelling in a 1% solution or less)
Usage: Precise leafy-green accents, crisp fruit-peel details and botanical top-note effects.
Typical Use Percentage: Effective from the smallest traces, through to 0.1%
Substantivity: < 8 hour(s) at 10%
Solvent: None
Flash Point: 43 °C
Physical Form: Colourless to pale yellow, clear mobile liquid
Synonyms: trans-2-Hexenal; (E)-Hex-2-enal; Leaf Aldehyde
Name: Trans-2-Hexenal
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O
Molecular Weight: 98.14 g/mol
IFRA: A product-specific IFRA certificate is not supplied with this pack. Applicable restrictions must still be assessed before use.

Signal word: Danger

Hazard statements

• H226 Flammable liquid and vapour.
• H302 Harmful if swallowed.
• H311 Toxic in contact with skin.
• H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements

• P210 Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. – No smoking.
• P233 Keep container tightly closed.
• P240 Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
• P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
• P242 Use only non-sparking tools.
• P243 Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
• P261 Avoid breathing vapour or dust.
• P264 Wash hands and other contacted skin thoroughly after handling.
• P270 Do no eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
• P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
• P273 Avoid release to the environment.
• P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection.
• P301/312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
• P303/361/353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
• P312 Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
• P330 Rinse mouth.
• P333/313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
• P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
• P370/378 In case of fire: Use for extinction: Foam, Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide.
• P391 Collect spillage.
• P403/235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
• P405 Store locked up.
• P501 Dispose of contents/container to: approved disposal site.

Important: For professional formulation use. Review the Safety Data Sheet before handling, storage or use.