| Description | 2-hexenal, also known as 2-hexenaldehyde, 3-propyl-acrolein or leaf aldehyde, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as medium-chain aldehydes. These are aldehydes with a chain length containing between 6 and 12 carbon atoms. 2-hexenal is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 2-hexenal occurs in two isomeric forms (trans - and cis -2-hexenal), with the trans form being of greater importance. Trans-2-hexenal is an inflammable, colorless, light and air sensitive liquid. It is produced in small amounts by most plants and it acts as an attractant to many predatory insects. Indeed a mix of 2-hexenal and 2-actenal has been used to attract and detect bed bugs (PMID: 28399295 ). As an odorant, 2-hexnal has a sharp, vegetable-green smell with a slight sharpness that smells like acrolein. When diluted, however, it smells pleasantly green and apple-like. Indeed, 2-hexenal is one of the aldehydes that contribute to the taste of apples and is often referred to as green notes (the taste of green apples, such as Granny Smith). It has a sweet, berry, apple-like taste and a fresh, floral green odor. 2-hexenal is one of the major volatile compounds in ripe tomatoes. It also contributes to the aroma of cherries. 2-hexenal has been detected, but not quantified in, several different fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts, such as soybeans, cucumbers, blackcurrants, ginkgo nuts, green tea and common walnuts. 2-hexenal has also been reported to be found in Cannabis sativa (PMID: 6991645 , 26657499 ). 2-hexenal is used as a food additive and in perfuming agents. Specifically, it is used in perfume compositions as part of fresh-green, natural topnote complexes, particularly in delicately floral or fruity fragrance types, and in general as a fresh top note. 2-hexenal is a potentially toxic compound as it can be flammable, harmful to skin contact and irritates the eyes. 2-hexenal is a known uremic toxin (PMID: 22626821 ). Uremic toxins tend to accumulate in the blood either through dietary excess or through poor filtration by the kidneys. As a uremic toxin, this compound can cause uremic syndrome. Chronic exposure to uremic toxins can lead to a number of conditions including renal damage, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. This seems to be mediated by the direct binding or inhibition by uremic toxins of the enzyme NADPH oxidase (especially NOX4 which is abundant in the kidneys and heart). Shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural effusion) can also be present in individuals suffering from uremia. Uremia or uremic syndrome can also cause changes in mental status, such as confusion, reduced awareness, agitation, psychosis, seizures, and coma. | Read more...
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