FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citronellol (CAS: 106-22-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Citronellol
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol
• CAS Number: 106-22-9
• FEMA Number: 2309
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.012, CoE No. 38
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O
• Molecular Weight: 156.27 g/mol

Citronellol is a monoterpenoid alcohol characterized by its hydroxyl group and a double bond, contributing to its distinct floral and citrus-like odor. The presence of these functional groups is crucial for its role in both flavor and fragrance applications, providing a fresh, sweet, and slightly rosy aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Citronellol is renowned for its pleasant floral and citrus scent, often described as rose-like with a hint of lemon. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold of citronellol is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. In flavor systems, it serves as a modifier, enhancing the overall profile by adding a fresh and floral note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Citronellol naturally occurs in various essential oils, including rose, geranium, and lemongrass oils. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, a crucial process for the formation of terpenoids. Citronellol's presence in natural sources qualifies it for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Citronellol is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, floral, and fruity profiles. It acts as a functional modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often around 1 ppm. Citronellol is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, citronellol is a key component in floral, citrus, and fresh fragrance families. It serves as a trace realism enhancer and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh initial impression, while its floral character provides lasting appeal.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Citronellol is FEMA GRAS approved for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.012.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific guidelines.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally consistent across regions, though some variability exists in concentration limits and labeling requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Citronellol is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with a favorable safety profile. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause mild irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Citronellol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity and appeal of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or synthetic impression. Formulators should balance citronellol with complementary notes to achieve the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on citronellol is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations exist in regional applications and concentration limits. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research focused on refining safety assessments and regulatory guidelines.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-10-19 13:36:39 GMT (p2)