Crisp green-apple freshness with a pear-like transparency. Brighter and fruitier than cis-3-hexenyl acetate, less waxy than leaf alcohol. A cold, clean bite that reads as an unripe fruit rather than foliage. At trace levels it adds a natural green lift; overdosed, it turns sharp and acetate-like.
Evolution over time
Immediately
Immediately
Sharp green-apple burst, crisp and cold
After a few hours
After a few hours
Softens to a transparent pear-green quality
After a few days
After a few days
Faint fruity-green trace, mostly evaporated
The Full Story
Verdox (2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, CAS 88-41-5) is a synthetic aroma chemical with a powerful green-fruity character. It delivers a clean, crisp, apple-pear impression that is brighter and more transparent than cis-3-hexenyl acetate (the classic leaf-green molecule).
The molecule is structurally a cyclohexyl acetate with a tert-butyl group, which gives it both steric stability and a particular olfactory profile. Its green character leans fruity rather than herbaceous — more Granny Smith apple than cut grass. At low doses it provides a natural-feeling freshness; at higher concentrations it becomes distinctly synthetic and sharp.
Verdox is manufactured by several aroma chemical companies and is a workhorse ingredient in functional perfumery (detergents, fabric softeners) as well as fine fragrance, where it appears in green-floral and fruity-fresh compositions.
The green-apple smell that Verdox replicates is largely caused by hexyl acetate and ethyl 2-methylbutyrate in real apples. Verdox achieves a similar impression through a completely different molecular architecture — a cyclohexane ring rather than a straight chain.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Fully synthetic. Produced by acetylation of 2-tert-butylcyclohexanol. Industrial-scale manufacturing is standard across major aroma chemical producers.
Molecular Formula
C₁₂H₂₂O₂
CAS Number
88-41-5
Botanical Name
N/A - synthetic molecule
IFRA Status
No known restrictions
Synonyms
Green Acetate · 2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Medium
Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Boiling Point
238.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point
199.00 °F. TCC ( 92.78 °C. )
Specific Gravity
0.94200 to 0.95200 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index
1.44700 to 1.45300 @ 20.00 °C.
In Perfumery
Verdox is a top note used to provide green-fruity freshness in compositions. It is a natural-smelling green modifier that is more stable and longer-lasting than many natural green chemicals. Works well in fruity-floral, green-floral, and fresh compositions. Compatible with citrus oils, galbanum, and violet leaf. Common in both fine fragrance openings and functional perfumery (laundry, cleaning products) where a bright green apple effect is desired.
