FlavScents AInsights Entry for Geranium Nitrile (CAS: 68804-02-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Geranium nitrile
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienenitrile
• CAS Number: 68804-02-4
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H15N
• Molecular Weight: 149.23 g/mol

Geranium nitrile is a nitrile compound characterized by its unsaturated carbon chain and terminal nitrile group. The presence of the nitrile group contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as green and floral, reminiscent of geranium leaves. The structure-odor relationship is significant, as the nitrile group imparts a sharp, fresh quality that is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Geranium nitrile is known for its green, floral, and slightly metallic odor, which is reminiscent of fresh geranium leaves. It is often used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and natural green character. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for both top and middle notes in perfumery. While specific taste thresholds are not well-documented, its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations.

In flavor applications, geranium nitrile can enhance the freshness and authenticity of herbal and floral profiles, although it is primarily used for its olfactory properties rather than taste.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Geranium nitrile is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical processes. It is often produced via the reaction of geraniol with hydrogen cyanide, followed by dehydration. This synthetic pathway allows for the controlled production of geranium nitrile, ensuring consistency in its sensory characteristics.

While it is not naturally occurring, its synthetic origin does not preclude its use in "natural" labeled products, provided it meets regulatory definitions for natural flavor or fragrance substances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Geranium nitrile is used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note that enhances the authenticity of herbal and floral flavors. It is particularly effective in tea, mint, and citrus flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation. Formulators should consider antioxidant systems to preserve its integrity in long-shelf-life products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, geranium nitrile is valued for its ability to provide a fresh, green, and floral character. It is commonly used in floral, green, and chypre fragrance families. Its role can vary from a trace realism enhancer to a prominent impact note, depending on the formulation.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, with its volatility making it suitable for top and middle notes. Its fresh, green quality complements other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Geranium nitrile is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but can be used in flavors under general safety provisions.
• European Union: It is not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 but can be used in compliance with general safety standards.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards, allowing its use under similar conditions.
• Asia: In Japan and China, geranium nitrile is permitted in flavors and fragrances, subject to safety evaluations.
• Latin America: Brazil and MERCOSUR countries allow its use under general safety guidelines, with no specific restrictions noted.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Geranium nitrile's safety profile is primarily evaluated through its exposure routes:

• Oral Exposure: While specific ADI or MSDI values are not available, its use in flavors is generally considered safe at low concentrations typical of flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, geranium nitrile is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization, although patch testing is recommended for new formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Its volatility requires consideration in occupational settings, but it is generally regarded as safe for consumer use in typical fragrance concentrations.

Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Geranium nitrile is a valuable material for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overly sharp or metallic profile. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural green note, where its impact can be significant.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on geranium nitrile is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical use levels. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on general safety evaluations. Industry practices are informed by both documented and experiential knowledge, with some data gaps in specific regional regulatory details.

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 2026-03-23 04:41:34 GMT (p2)