trans-2-Hexenol

In short

trans-2-Hexenol is an unsaturated alcohol with a fresh green, fruity odour. It occurs in many fruits and leaves and is softer and fruitier than cis-3-hexenol.

What trans-2-Hexenol smells like

Trans-2-hexenol is a green, leafy alcohol that leans sweeter and fruitier than leaf alcohol. Descriptions range from sharp, green and leafy with a slight fruitiness to a powerful fruity-green odour with wine-like notes; Bedoukian names unripe banana. One reference says the trans isomer smells sweeter than cis-3-hexenol and is preferred for that reason in some compositions. In flavour it reads as leafy green with grassy, fruity and juicy notes.

Leading note: Fruity leaf green
Supporting facets: Unripe banana, wine-like
Faint facets: Herbal
Character: Green, soft, sweet, fresh

What makes trans-2-Hexenol distinctive

It is the gentler, fruitier leaf alcohol: green and leafy like cis-3-hexenol but sweeter, with a wine-like and unripe-banana side instead of plain cut grass.

Where the descriptions disagree: Some sources stress fruity and wine-like, others leafy and herbal.

How trans-2-Hexenol is used

Used to add a soft fruity green to fruity, floral and herbal compositions; Bedoukian notes it adds fruity notes to lavender, mint and geranium compositions. It is also a flavour material.

Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).

How trans-2-Hexenol differs from similar materials

cis-3-Hexenol: One reference describes trans-2-hexenol as the sweeter of the two; cis-3-hexenol is the plainer, sharper cut grass. (compared directly by a cited source)
trans-2-Hexenal: The aldehyde is sharp, pungent and apple-green; the alcohol is softer, sweeter and fruitier.

An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. 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: (E)-Hex-2-en-1-ol
CAS number: 928-95-0
Molecular formula: C6H12O
Molecular weight: 100.16 g/mol
IUPAC name: (E)-hex-2-en-1-ol

The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 5318042, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 19 October 2026.

Safety and compliance

Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (1,672 reports): H226 flammable liquid and vapor (97.6% of reports); H319 causes serious eye irritation (85.8% of reports); H317 may cause an allergic skin reaction (82.1% of reports). 32 of the reports find it does not meet the hazard criteria. A skin sensitiser classification concerns handling the neat material and the dose in a finished product; the IFRA Standards, where they apply, set the limits. 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
trans-2-Hexenal
Aroma chemical · Green / Fruity — green, leafy, apple, sharp
Hexyl Acetate
Aroma chemical · Fruity / Green — pear, apple, fruity, green
Isoamyl Acetate
Aroma chemical · Fruity / Gourmand — banana, pear drop, fruity, sweet

Used in formulas and accords

Used in 3 published formulas

trans-2-Hexenol is an ingredient in 3 perfume formulas in the Formula & Accord Library.

RUŌOD House Originals

Original compositions by RUŌOD House.

Cut Stem Atelier
RUŌOD House Original · listed as “trans-2-Hexenol 10% DPG”, at 10% in DPG
Lime Bruise
RUŌOD House Original · listed as “trans-2-Hexenol 10% DPG”, at 10% in DPG
Ylang Rain Shelter
RUŌOD House Original · listed as “trans-2-Hexenol 10% DPG”, at 10% in DPG

Questions about trans-2-Hexenol

Is trans-2-Hexenol natural or synthetic?

The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial trans-2-Hexenol 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 trans-2-Hexenol?

928-95-0. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.

Which published formulas use trans-2-Hexenol?

trans-2-Hexenol is used in 3 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library: Cut Stem Atelier, Lime Bruise and Ylang Rain Shelter. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.

Sources

PubChem — compound 5318042, checked 19 October 2026.
PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
Perflavory (The Good Scents Company) — (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, with Bedoukian's description — odour database.
ChemicalBook — 2-hexen-1-ol — odour database.
Parchem — (E)-2-hexen-1-ol — distributor's description.
Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 20 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.