Fruity

Allyl Hexanoate

Note Profile

Natural

About

Allyl Hexanoate is a synthetic ester with a characteristic sweet, juicy pineapple aroma and tropical fruity profile. Known by the trade name Allyl Caproate, it occurs naturally in pineapples and other fruits, lending authenticity to tropical fruit accords. Used at trace concentrations (0.1-5%), it provides immediate fruity lift and sparkle to fragrance compositions.

Scent Profile

Allyl Hexanoate delivers an unmistakable pineapple character-sweet, juicy, and tropical-with subtle rum and arrack facets that add unexpected warmth and depth. The ester exhibits ethereal, sparkling freshness with slight fatty undertones that ground the fruitiness and prevent synthetic harshness. On the nose, it evolves from bright tropical top notes to softer fruity warmth, though its volatility ensures the effect remains primarily in the opening phase of a composition.

Citrus 15%

Floral 0%

Fruity 80%

Green 0%

Sweet 35%

Warm 15%

Woody 0%

Earthy 0%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 15%

Origin

This ester occurs naturally in pineapples, apples, strawberries, and other fruits, which explains its remarkable olfactory authenticity. Commercially synthesized as a colorless to pale yellow liquid (C9H16O2, CAS 123-68-2), it is produced by major fragrance suppliers including Givaudan, Firmenich, and IFF. The synthetic version maintains the character of the natural compound while offering consistency and scalability for perfume formulation.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers employ Allyl Hexanoate exclusively as a top note due to its high volatility and impact at trace concentrations-substantivity lasts less than one hour on a smelling strip. It is essential for authentic pineapple accords and tropical fruit blends, particularly when combined with ethyl maltol or other esters like ethyl butyrate and methyl hexanoate. The ester pairs beautifully with aldehydes and citrus notes, adding sweet juiciness to fresh and fruity compositions; it is also found in lipstick perfumes and tobacco flavoring applications.