cis-3-Hexenal

cis-3-Hexenal, also known as (Z)-3-hexenal and leaf aldehyde, is an organic compound with the formula CH₃CH₂CH=CHCH₂CHO. It is classified as an unsaturated aldehyde. It is a colorless liquid and an aroma compound with an intense odor of freshly cut grass and leaves.

Occurrence

It is one of the major volatile compounds in ripe tomatoes, although it tends to isomerize into the conjugated trans-2-hexenal. It is produced in small amounts by most plants and it acts as an attractant to many predatory insects. It is also a pheromone in many insect species.

File:O2aseLyaseFatty.png

Biosynthesis of cis-3-hexenal from linolenic acid via the hydroperoxide by the action of a lipoxygenase followed by a hydroperoxide lyase.

See also

• cis-3-Hexen-1-ol has a similar but weaker odor and is used in flavors and perfumes.
• 1-Hexanol, another volatile organic compound, also considered responsible for the freshly mowed grass odor

External links

• Hexenal