Allyl hexanoate

Chemical properties

Allyl hexanoate is a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid with fruity sweet, pineapple-like taste and fruit-like aroma (pineapple). It has been shown to occur in pineapple. It has a typical pineapple odor and is used in, for example, pineapple flavors.

Occurrence

Allyl hexanoate has also been reported to occur naturally in baked potato, mushroom and pineapples.

The Uses of Allyl hexanoate

Allyl Hexanoate is a liquid flavoring agent with a strong pineapple odor and pale yellow color. it is practically insoluble in propylene glycol and miscible with alcohol, most fixed oils, and mineral oil. it is obtained by chemical synthesis. it can be used alone or in com- bination with other flavoring substances or adjuvants. it is also termed allyl caproate.

Preparation

Allyl hexanoate is directly esterified by hexanoic acid and allyl alcohol under the catalysis of sulfuric acid, and then neutralized, washed with water and rectified to obtain the finished product.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-Propenyl hexanoate is a fatty acid ester.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: sweet, fresh, juicy, pineapple and fruity

General Description

Allyl hexanoate is a volatile flavoring compound with a pineapple flavor. It is naturally found in pineapple, baked potatoes and mushrooms. Allyl hexanoate is used as a flavoring agent in chewing gum, candies and baked goods.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and skin contact. Mutation data reported. An irritant to human skin. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ALLYL COMPOUNDS and ESTERS

Metabolism

Clapp, Kaye & Young (1969) have reported on the metabolism of allyl compounds in the rat. These compounds react with reduced glutathione in the liver and the resultant product, after hydrolysis and N-acetylation gives rise to the mercapturic acid, which is readily excreted in the urine.

Solubility in organics

Almost insoluble in water, miscible withalcohol, essential oils and perfume and flavorchemicals.