Hexanal

Hexanal (also called n-hexanal or caproaldehyde) is a six-carbon aliphatic aldehyde, CH3(CH2)4CHO, with a molar mass of approximately 100.16 g/mol. It occurs naturally in many fruits, vegetables and grasses. It also forms when polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid break down through oxidation.

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What is hexanal used for?

Hexanal is used as a flavouring and fragrance component because of its green, grassy and fruity notes. In quality control laboratories, it is one of the most commonly monitored volatile compounds for assessing oxidative rancidity in edible oils, cereals, dairy products, meat and nuts. High-purity grades also serve as analytical reference standards, particularly for GC-MS and headspace methods.

How is hexanal analysed?

Hexanal is typically determined by gas chromatography, often with headspace sampling or solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by GC-MS or flame ionisation detection. Because it is volatile and susceptible to further oxidation to hexanoic acid, sample handling and storage conditions can significantly affect results. Certified reference materials and a CoA stating purity and assay method help ensure traceable measurements.

What should buyers consider when procuring hexanal?

Hexanal is a flammable liquid and is classified under GHS accordingly. Users should consult the supplier's SDS for current hazard statements, storage and transport requirements. The compound is prone to air oxidation, so it is commonly supplied under inert gas and may contain a stabiliser. Buyers should check the following:

• Purity grade, for example food grade or analytical standard
• Stabiliser content
• Applicable regulatory status, such as REACH registration or listing under TSCA

Related concepts

Hexanal belongs to the family of aliphatic aldehydes, alongside pentanal and heptanal. It is closely linked to lipid peroxidation, oxidative stability testing and peroxide value measurement. Hexanoic acid is its oxidation product. Related analytical topics include headspace GC-MS and volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling.