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.
3,4-Hexanedione has an aromatic, toasty, burnt, buttery, nutty, caramel-eggy, pungent odor.
Reported found in cauliflower, coffee
By condensation of ethyl propionate in the presence of sodium metal, followed by oxidation of the resulting propionin
with copper acetate or ferric chloride.
ChEBI: 3,4-Hexanedione is an alpha-diketone.
Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: sweet buttery, creamy, slightly cooked caramel and burnt sugary reminiscent of ghee and eggy vanillas.
Taste characteristics at 5 ppm: sweet buttery, creamy, pound cake and egg caramel-like with vanilla nuances.
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.
