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
3,4-Hexanedione has an aromatic, toasty, burnt, buttery, nutty, caramel-eggy, pungent odor.
Chemical Properties
clear yellow liquid
Occurrence
Reported found in cauliflower, coffee
Definition
ChEBI: 3,4-Hexanedione is an alpha-diketone.
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.
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%
