3,4-Hexanedione

Description

3,4-Hexanedione has a pungent, unpleasant odor reminiscent of butter and a taste similar to that of diacetyl. May be prepared synthetically by condensation of ethyl propionate in the presence of sodium metal, followed by oxidation of the resulting propionin with copper acetate or ferric chloride.

Chemical properties

clear yellow liquid

Chemical properties

3,4-Hexanedione has an aromatic, toasty, burnt, buttery, nutty, caramel-eggy, pungent odor.

Occurrence

Reported found in cauliflower, coffee

Preparation

By condensation of ethyl propionate in the presence of sodium metal, followed by oxidation of the resulting propionin with copper acetate or ferric chloride.

Definition

ChEBI: 3,4-Hexanedione is an alpha-diketone.

Aroma threshold values

Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: sweet buttery, creamy, slightly cooked caramel and burnt sugary reminiscent of ghee and eggy vanillas.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 5 ppm: sweet buttery, creamy, pound cake and egg caramel-like with vanilla nuances.

General Description

The dermal irritation and sensitization potential of 3,4-hexanedione (used as constituents of synthetic flavoring agent) was studied using a murine model. The 3,4-hexanedione derivatives inhibited oxoglutarate transport.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Odor at 1.0%