Cis-3-Hexenal

• Cis-3- hexenal
• (Z)- Hex -3 -enal
• (Z )-3 -hexen- 1-al

Colorless liquid with green, fruity odor

Liquid

0.976 g · cm -3 ( 25 ° C)

20 ° C ( 0.3 hPa)

Slightly soluble in water

1.44 (20 ° C)

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

(Z )-3- hexenal is a chemical compound selected from the group of the aldehydes.

Occurrence

(Z )-3 -hexenal is diverse in nature (eg, spinach, peaches, citrus fruits, strawberries, green tea, basil, parsley) and belongs to the Green Leaf fragrances. The biosynthesis of many of these substances are from α -linolenic acid, which is cleaved by means of a percarboxylic acid to volatile lipoxygenases (Z )-3- hexenal and of a non-volatile C12 - compound. The 3 -hexenal is reduced to the well-known representatives of green leaf fragrances, the (Z )-3 -hexenol, which is also known as leaf alcohol. The isomer (E )-3 -hexenal also occurs naturally (eg in sugar melons, tea, apples and apricots). Its flavor, however, is much weaker than that of the (Z)- isomer.

It is also formed during the storage of foods containing linoleic acid.

Production and representation

(Z )-3- hexenal to be obtained by oxidation of ( Z)-3 -hexenol.

Properties

(Z )-3 -hexenal is a colorless liquid with green, fruity odor. The technical product is offered as a solution in triacetin.

Use

(Z )-3 -hexenal is an important part of the flavor of freshly squeezed juices (eg, orange, grapefruit). As it is much less stable than (E) -2-hexenal ( to which it isomerized ), it is hardly used for the flavoring of foodstuffs.