FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citronellyl Formate (CAS: 105-85-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Citronellyl formate
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl formate
• CAS Number: 105-85-1
• FEMA Number: 2315
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol

Citronellyl formate is an ester formed from citronellol and formic acid. The compound features a formate ester functional group, which contributes to its characteristic odor profile. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the ester linkage imparts a fruity and floral scent, making it valuable in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Citronellyl formate is characterized by its fresh, floral, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of rose and geranium. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a pleasant diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is typically used to impart a natural floral character in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Citronellyl formate is naturally found in various essential oils, including rose and geranium oils. It is formed through the esterification of citronellol, a common terpene alcohol, with formic acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavor and fragrance products due to its occurrence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Citronellyl formate is utilized in flavor formulations to impart a floral and fruity note, commonly found in fruit and floral flavor categories. It serves as a modifier to enhance the complexity and authenticity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering floral notes. The compound is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, citronellyl formate is used across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. 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: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.013.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized regulations aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, citronellyl formate is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility and typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profiles are similar between food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Citronellyl formate is valued for its ability to impart a natural floral character, enhancing the authenticity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, such as geranium and citrus. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on citronellyl formate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological data may be limited. Overall, the compound is considered reliable for use in both flavor and fragrance applications.

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 2026-05-03 08:50:35 GMT (p2)