Cis-3-Hexenal


cis-3-Hexenal, also known as -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.