FlavScents AInsights Entry: Geranyl Butyrate (CAS: 106-29-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Geranyl Butyrate
- IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl butanoate
- CAS Number: 106-29-6
- FEMA Number: 2504
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.018
- Molecular Formula: C14H24O2
- Molecular Weight: 224.34 g/mol
Geranyl butyrate is an ester formed from geraniol and butyric acid. It features functional groups such as an ester linkage and a conjugated diene system, which contribute to its characteristic fruity and floral aroma. The ester group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Geranyl butyrate is known for its pleasant, fruity, and floral aroma, often described as reminiscent of roses and sweet fruits like peaches and apricots. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable as an impact note in formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable fragrance even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranyl butyrate occurs naturally in various essential oils, including those of rose and citrus. It can be formed through enzymatic esterification processes in plants, where geraniol reacts with butyric acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavor and fragrance products due to its presence in natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Geranyl butyrate is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and citrus profiles. It serves as an impact note and modifier, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, geranyl butyrate is employed across several families, such as floral, fruity, and citrus. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, uplifting aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
- FDA/FEMA GRAS: Approved for use in food flavors.
European Union
- Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008: Listed as a flavoring substance with FL No. 09.018.
United Kingdom
- Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards for flavor use.
Asia
- Japan: Approved for use in flavors.
- China and ASEAN: Generally recognized as safe, but specific regulations may vary.
Latin America
- Brazil/MERCOSUR: Approved for use in food flavors, following international guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Geranyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food flavors, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by FEMA. The margin of safety is generally high due to its low use levels.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. IFRA guidelines provide safe usage concentrations.
Inhalation Exposure
Volatility may pose inhalation risks in occupational settings, but typical consumer exposure is minimal.
Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a natural, fruity-floral character to formulations. It synergizes well with other esters and terpenes, enhancing the overall complexity and appeal. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in citrus profiles, where it can add depth and realism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps include specific taste thresholds and detailed toxicological studies.
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 13:29:08 GMT (p2)
