2-Nonenal is an unsaturated aldehyde. The colorless liquid is an important aroma component of aged beer and buckwheat, and is insoluble in water.
2-Nonenal reacts with the Wittig reagent methylenetriphenylphosphorane to give hexyl-1,3-butadiene.
Odor characteristics The odour of the mixed isomers is perceived as "fatty, green, waxy, cucumber, melon". The odour of the (Z)-isomer is "orris, fatty, waxy, cucumber" whilst that of the (E)-isomer is "fatty, green, cucumber, aldehydic". Its odor has been associated with human body odor alterations during aging.
See also trans,cis-2,6-Nonadienal - Structurally related, aroma of cucumber 6-Nonenal - Structurally related, aroma of cantaloupe
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