Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate (CAS 2305-25-1) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Floral

Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate

CAS 2305-25-1

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate?

Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate is a synthetic ester used in perfumery for its fruity, tropical aroma. It’s commonly found in fragrances aiming for a juicy, exotic character. This ingredient matters because it adds a modern, vibrant twist to fruity and floral compositions, making scents feel more dynamic and contemporary.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for skin sensitivity
CAS
2305-25-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate Smell Like?

Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate bursts with a luscious, tropical fruitiness reminiscent of ripe pineapple and passionfruit. The initial impression is juicy and slightly green, evolving into a smoother, sweeter heart with hints of coconut. Over time, it settles into a soft, creamy base that lingers subtly. Perfect for adding a modern, exotic twist to any composition.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Tropical Vibes(Exotic Scents, 2020)

Used here to amplify the pineapple and coconut accord, creating a sun-drenched, beachy feel.

Juicy Paradise(Fruity Fragrances, 2019)

Adds a modern, vibrant fruitiness that makes the mango and papaya notes pop.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Hexanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-, ethyl ester

SMILES: CCCC(O)CC(=O)OCC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate is a synthetic ester derived from the reaction of ethanol and 3-hydroxyhexanoic acid. Its molecular structure features a six-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group at the third position, contributing to its fruity aroma. This compound is typically produced through esterification processes in controlled laboratory settings.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (1-2 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Adds fruity vibrancy
Body Care1-3%Up to 5%Enhances tropical notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in fruity or tropical compositions to add a juicy, modern twist.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate CAS 7452-79-1

Offers a similar fruity profile but with more apple-like characteristics.

2
Ethyl hexanoate CAS 123-66-0

Provides a stronger, more straightforward fruity note without the tropical nuances.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for use in fragrances by RIFM.

Sustainability

Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate is synthesized in laboratories, reducing reliance on natural resources. Its production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact through green chemistry practices.

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References

  1. PubChem: Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 2305-25-1

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight160.21 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)1🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point101 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.967💻 Calculated
SMILESCCCC(CC(=O)OCC)O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorscitrusfreshfruitygrapegreen• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesteralcoholether💻 RDKit
“CH$CHg)2- CH–CH2–COO-CaH5 Powerful, fresh-fruity-oily, siightly green AH odor. in general in novel fragrance tyxs for house- Methylcthylglycollic acid, Ethylester. freshing odor of moderate to poor tenacity. herbaceous fragrances, including Lavender/ Lavandin, Clary Sage, etc.”📖 Arctander
Ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate has a fruity odor.📖 Fenaroli

Sensory Thresholds

Odor Detection Threshold0.0451 ppm📖 van Gemert
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID10862898

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 160.213 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.983 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 229.369 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point -24.375 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 89.482 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.436 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 161.954 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 1.486 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 1.486 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 1.486 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.43 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.123 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.023 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 4.289 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 32.509 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 149.566 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 46.53 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 5 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 42.38 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 16.801 Å^3📊 OPERA

Data Sources:

🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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