Heksil-acetat

Chemistry

Hexyl acetate is the acetate ester of hexan-1-ol. It is a metabolite found in or produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is very soluble in alcohol and ether. Its solubility in water is 511 mg/L at 25 °C. It is less dense than water. Heated to decomposition, it gives off acrid smoke and fumes.

Occurrence in fruit

It is naturally present in many fruits, such as apples and plums, as well as in alcoholic beverages. Butyl acetate, hexyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate and ethyl 2-methylbutanoate are the most important esters for the aroma of several apple varieties, because of their high content and impact. Hexyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate and ethyl 2-methylbutanoate contribute mostly to the characteristic aroma of Fuji apples. In pears, hexyl acetate is one of several volatile esters that possess strong pear-like aromas. Hexyl acetate is one of the esters considered key odorants influencing the flavor quality of peach fruit. It is one of six major volatiles identified in Modesto apricots. It has also been detected in apricots, plums and nectarines.

Uses

Hexyl acetate is mainly used as a solvent for resins, polymers, fats and oils. It is also added to paint to improve dispersion on a surface. It is also used as a propellant in aerosols.

Environmental behavior

In air, the vapor is broken down by reaction with hydroxyl radicals produced by sunlight chemistry, with an estimated half-life of 2.2 days. It is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces.

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