In short
1-Hexanol (alcohol C-6) is the saturated relative of leaf alcohol, found in fruits and leaves. JECFA describes a mild, sweet, green odour.
What 1-Hexanol smells like
JECFA, as published by PubChem, describes 1-hexanol as a colourless, mobile liquid with a mild, sweet, green odour; HSDB calls it a sweet, pleasant alcohol and Haz-Map a colourless liquid with a fruity odour. PubChem links it to several natural-product databases.
- Leading note
- Mild green
- Supporting facets
- Sweet, fruity
- Character
- Soft
What makes 1-Hexanol distinctive
The softer, saturated cousin of leaf alcohol.
How 1-Hexanol is used
A flavouring that JECFA has evaluated, and one PubChem links to several natural-product databases. In perfumery it gives a mild, sweet, green-fruity freshness in small amounts, in green and fruity top notes.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How 1-Hexanol differs from similar materials
- cis-3-Hexenol
- Leaf alcohol is the sharp, freshly cut grass note; 1-hexanol, without its double bond, is milder, sweet and green.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Green / Fruity
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- Alcohol C-6, Hexyl alcohol
- CAS number
- 111-27-3
- Molecular formula
- C6H14O
- Molecular weight
- 102.17 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- hexan-1-ol
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 8103, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 24 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. It has a harmonised EU classification (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Annex VI): H302 harmful if swallowed. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (2,711 reports): H319 causes serious eye irritation (35.5% of reports); H226 flammable liquid and vapor (34.3% of reports); H312 harmful in contact with skin (33.5% of reports); H302+H312 harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin (23.3% of reports). Unless it is harmonised, this is the notifiers' own classification, not a binding one.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
cis-3-Hexenol
Aroma chemical · Green / Fruity — green, cut grass, leafy, fresh
-
Hexyl Acetate
Aroma chemical · Fruity / Green — pear, apple, fruity, green
-
trans-2-Hexenal
Aroma chemical · Green / Fruity — green, leafy, apple, sharp
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 1 published formula
1-Hexanol is an ingredient in 1 perfume formula in the Formula & Accord Library.
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about 1-Hexanol
Is 1-Hexanol natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial 1-Hexanol may be made by synthesis or obtained from natural sources, so check the supplier's specification if the distinction matters to you.
What is the CAS number of 1-Hexanol?
111-27-3. It was checked against PubChem on 24 October 2026.
Which published formulas use 1-Hexanol?
1-Hexanol is used in 1 published formula in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library: Cut Stem Atelier. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 8103, checked 24 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- PubChem — 1-Hexanol (CID 8103): JECFA organoleptic description — odour database.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.