FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citronellyl Butyrate (CAS: 141-16-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Citronellyl Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl butanoate
• CAS Number: 141-16-2
• FEMA Number: 2309
• Other Identifiers: FL Number 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C14H26O2
• Molecular Weight: 226.36 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Citronellyl butyrate is an ester, which contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile. The ester linkage is crucial for its volatility and sensory characteristics, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Citronellyl butyrate is characterized by a sweet, fruity, and floral aroma reminiscent of rose and apple. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a pleasant diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and uplifting scent. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely reported, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Citronellyl butyrate is naturally found in various essential oils, including rose and geranium oils. It can also be formed through esterification processes involving citronellol and butyric acid. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, as it can be derived from natural sources or synthesized to mimic natural occurrences.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Citronellyl butyrate is used in flavor formulations to impart fruity and floral notes, commonly found in fruit-flavored beverages, candies, and baked goods. Its functional role is often as a background realism enhancer or a character note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially altering the intended flavor profile. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, citronellyl butyrate is utilized in floral and fruity fragrance families, often in personal care products such as perfumes, lotions, and soaps. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Citronellyl butyrate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards for flavor and fragrance use.
• Asia: In Japan and China, citronellyl butyrate is permitted for use in flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulations.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in countries like Brazil under MERCOSUR regulations, with specific usage guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Citronellyl butyrate has a favorable safety profile with an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) based on FEMA GRAS status. The compound is considered safe at typical use levels in food.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA standards.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but it is generally considered safe under normal use conditions in consumer products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Citronellyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity, and floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance the overall composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on citronellyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differences in source materials.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-05-05 14:59:51 GMT (p2)