FlavScents AInsights Entry for Geranyl Benzoate (CAS: 94-48-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Geranyl benzoate
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl benzoate
• CAS Number: 94-48-4
• FEMA Number: 2505
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C17H24O2
• Molecular Weight: 260.37 g/mol

Geranyl benzoate is an ester formed from geraniol and benzoic acid. It features a benzoate ester functional group, which contributes to its characteristic floral and fruity odor profile. The molecular structure, with its conjugated double bonds and aromatic ring, plays a significant role in its odor characteristics, providing a sweet, floral scent reminiscent of rose and geranium.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Geranyl benzoate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of rose and geranium. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a middle note in fragrance compositions. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is typically used to impart a floral character in both flavors and fragrances. Its sensory role is often as an impact note, providing a distinct floral quality that enhances the overall profile of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Geranyl benzoate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the esterification of geraniol, a naturally occurring monoterpenoid alcohol, with benzoic acid. This reaction can occur under acidic conditions or with the use of a catalyst. While geranyl benzoate itself is not typically labeled as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance," its precursor, geraniol, is found in essential oils such as rose and citronella, which may contribute to its use in natural product formulations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Geranyl benzoate is used in various flavor applications, particularly in floral and fruity profiles. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as rose, geranium, and other floral blends. Its functional role in flavor systems is to provide a floral impact note that enhances the complexity and authenticity of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering floral note. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, though it may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, geranyl benzoate is utilized across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and oriental. It serves as a middle note, providing a floral and fruity character that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products vary from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Geranyl benzoate's volatility is moderate, contributing to its role as a middle note, where it bridges the gap between top and base notes, providing a lasting floral impression.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Geranyl benzoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA.
• European Union: It is included in the EU list of flavoring substances under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavoring substances.
• Asia: In Japan, China, and ASEAN countries, geranyl benzoate is permitted for use in flavors, though specific regulations may vary.
• Latin America: In Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, it is approved for use in flavors, with harmonized regulations generally following international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Geranyl benzoate is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels.

• Oral Exposure: The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is used within GRAS limits in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: It is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization, making it suitable for use in personal care products. IFRA standards provide guidance on safe use levels in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a component of fragrances, it is considered safe for inhalation at typical use levels, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Geranyl benzoate is valued for its ability to impart a floral and fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the complexity and depth of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering floral note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of character. Formulators should balance its use with complementary notes to achieve the desired profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on geranyl benzoate is well-established, with comprehensive information available on its sensory profile, regulatory status, and safety considerations. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific numeric values, such as odor thresholds, may not be clearly reported. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies specific to geranyl benzoate, though existing data supports its safe use within recommended levels.

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 2026-02-13 13:28:24 GMT (p2)