cis-3-Hexene-1-ol and trans-2-hexene-1-ol are usually referred to as t
he leaf alcohols. The compounds are of special commercial interest, es
pecially as fine chemicals suitable for perfume industry and food proc
essing as powerful additives to flavours and fragrances. Their basic c
hemical, physical, and odouring properties are surveyed. The principal
part deals with the synthesis. It is shown that the preparations are
difficult multistep procedures which are reflected in the price of fin
al products. One of the most serious problems is the required stereosp
ecifity and regioselectivity. Alternative ways of preparation based on
catalytic hydrogenations of 2,4-hexadienoic acid and its esters are a
lso discussed.