What does cis-3-hexenol smell like?

It smells like freshly cut grass and crushed green leaves, sharp and very fresh. Neat it is overpowering, so perfumers smell it from a 1% or 10% dilution. In blends it adds a natural-feeling green lift to florals, fruits and herbal notes.

Why is cis-3-hexenol called leaf alcohol?

Green plants release it when their leaves are cut or damaged, and it is a big part of the smell of a mowed lawn. The aroma chemical has the same chemical identity, whether it is made synthetically or isolated, so check the supplier's documents for origin.

How much cis-3-hexenol should I use in a perfume?

Only traces. It is very strong, so it usually makes up a small part of the fragrance concentrate. Work from a 1% or 10% dilution, add a little at a time and smell after each step. Check current IFRA standards for skin products.

Is cis-3-hexenol flammable?

Yes. It is a flammable liquid, so store it away from flames, gas stoves, heaters and sparks, and keep the bottle tightly closed. Work with it in a ventilated room and don't heat it on an open flame.

What is the difference between cis-3-hexenol and cis-3-hexenyl acetate?

Cis-3-hexenyl acetate is the ester of cis-3-hexenol. It smells greener-fruity, like unripe banana and pear, and is softer and less sharp than the alcohol. Perfumers often use the two together for a fuller green note.

Can I use cis-3-hexenol in candles?

Yes, as part of a candle fragrance oil for garden, grass and green tea themes. It is very volatile, so it brings fresh top notes in cold throw. Check that the full fragrance oil's flash point suits your wax process.

Cis-3-Hexenol (Leaf Alcohol): Odour, Uses, Handling

Cis-3-hexenol, also called leaf alcohol, is a colourless liquid aroma chemical with the intense smell of freshly cut grass and green leaves. Perfumers use it in traces to add natural-feeling green freshness to floral, fruity and herbal fragrances, and in soaps, candles, incense and air care products.

Last updated 7 Nov 2026

cis-3-Hexen-1-ol (leaf alcohol) price today →हिंदी में पढ़ें

Specifications

Formula: C6H12O
CAS number: 928-96-1
Grades: Technical

Products and pack sizes

Product	Grade	Pack	Price (incl. GST)	₹ per kg
CIS 3 Hexenol	Technical	—	₹499	—

What is cis-3-hexenol?

Cis-3-hexenol, or (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, is a small alcohol that green plants release when their leaves are cut or crushed. It is the smell of a freshly mown lawn. As an aroma chemical, it is a colourless to pale yellow liquid, and it is very strong and diffusive.

Formula: C6H12O
CAS number: 928-96-1
Molar mass: about 100.2 g/mol
Boiling point: about 156 to 157 °C

It evaporates quickly, so in a perfume it shows up in the top notes and fades within the first hour.

Grades and pack sizes at Azlok

Azlok lists CIS 3 Hexenol under aromatic raw materials, for perfumers and fragrance oil makers. Treat it as perfumery material. The pack size is on the product page.

Product	Listed as	Suits
CIS 3 Hexenol	Aroma chemical (perfumery use)	Fine fragrance, soaps, candles, incense, air care

It is not sold for food or flavour use. See today's price per kg.

Common uses

Fine fragrance: adds fresh-cut green lift to muguet, rose, jasmine, tea and herbal accords.
Fruity notes: gives crunch and realism to apple, pear, kiwi and green banana accords.
Soaps and detergents: a fresh green opening for soap and laundry fragrances.
Candles, incense and air care: outdoor, garden and green-tea themes.

How to use it

Dilute before you smell or weigh. Neat material is overpowering. Perfumers usually work from a 1% or 10% dilution in perfumer's alcohol or DPG.
Use traces. In most blends it is a very small part of the fragrance concentrate. Add it a drop of dilution at a time and smell after each step.
Pair it. It works with cis-3-hexenyl acetate, which is fruitier and softer, and with linalool and hedione-type florals for a fresh, natural effect.
Check the blend after maturing. Let it rest a few days. Green notes can feel harsh at first.

For skin and cosmetic products, check current IFRA standards and patch test the finished product. Cosmetics sold in India need to meet BIS and CDSCO rules.

Safety and storage

It is a flammable liquid. Keep it away from flames, gas stoves, heaters and sparks, and don't smoke nearby.
It irritates eyes. Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling neat material.
Work in a ventilated room, as the smell is intense and can cause headaches in a closed space.
Keep it away from strong oxidisers and acids.
Store in a tightly closed glass or aluminium bottle, cool and away from light. Keep the headspace small to slow oxidation.
Keep away from children.
Soak up spills with sand or paper towel, ventilate, and dispose of in a sealed bag. Don't pour into drains.

Choosing the right grade and pack

Because it is used in traces, a small pack lasts a home perfumer or small studio a long time. Larger packs make sense only for fragrance oil manufacturers and soap and detergent units. Opened bottles slowly lose freshness, so don't over-buy.

For 25 kg and above, send a bulk inquiry.

Frequently asked questions

What does cis-3-hexenol smell like?: It smells like freshly cut grass and crushed green leaves, sharp and very fresh. Neat it is overpowering, so perfumers smell it from a 1% or 10% dilution. In blends it adds a natural-feeling green lift to florals, fruits and herbal notes.
Why is cis-3-hexenol called leaf alcohol?: Green plants release it when their leaves are cut or damaged, and it is a big part of the smell of a mowed lawn. The aroma chemical has the same chemical identity, whether it is made synthetically or isolated, so check the supplier's documents for origin.
How much cis-3-hexenol should I use in a perfume?: Only traces. It is very strong, so it usually makes up a small part of the fragrance concentrate. Work from a 1% or 10% dilution, add a little at a time and smell after each step. Check current IFRA standards for skin products.
Is cis-3-hexenol flammable?: Yes. It is a flammable liquid, so store it away from flames, gas stoves, heaters and sparks, and keep the bottle tightly closed. Work with it in a ventilated room and don't heat it on an open flame.
What is the difference between cis-3-hexenol and cis-3-hexenyl acetate?: Cis-3-hexenyl acetate is the ester of cis-3-hexenol. It smells greener-fruity, like unripe banana and pear, and is softer and less sharp than the alcohol. Perfumers often use the two together for a fuller green note.
Can I use cis-3-hexenol in candles?: Yes, as part of a candle fragrance oil for garden, grass and green tea themes. It is very volatile, so it brings fresh top notes in cold throw. Check that the full fragrance oil's flash point suits your wax process.