Hexanal Explained

Hexanal, also called hexanaldehyde or caproaldehyde is an alkyl aldehyde used in the flavor industry to produce fruity flavors.^[1] Its scent resembles freshly cut grass, like cis-3-hexenal.^[2] It is potentially useful as a natural extract that prevents fruit spoilage.^[3] It occurs naturally, and contributes to a hay-like "off-note" flavor in green peas.^[4]

The first synthesis of hexanal was published in 1907 by P. Bagard.^[5]

Notes and References

1. http://www.natural-advantage.net/Hex.htm Hexanal Product Data Sheet
2. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2013/11/hexenal-grass-smell Hexenal
3. News: Sharkey. Jackie. Fruit spray developed by Guelph prof extends shelf life by 50 per cent. 21 August 2017. CBC News. 23 June 2016.
4. Roland . Wibke S. U. . Pouvreau . Laurice . Curran . Julianne . van de Velde . Fred . de Kok . Peter M. T. . 5 October 2016 . Flavor Aspects of Pulse Ingredients . Cereal Chemistry . 94 . 1 . 58–65 . 10.1094/CCHEM-06-16-0161-FI . free .
5. http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/hexanal.html Molecule of the Week: Hexanal