FlavScents AInsights Entry: Geranyl Propionate (CAS: 105-90-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Geranyl Propionate
• IUPAC Name: Propanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-yl ester
• CAS Number: 105-90-8
• FEMA Number: 2509
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.273
• Molecular Formula: C13H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 210.32 g/mol

Geranyl propionate is an ester formed from geraniol and propionic acid. It features a geranyl group, which is a monoterpenoid, contributing to its characteristic floral and fruity aroma. The ester linkage in its structure 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 propionate is characterized by a sweet, fruity, and floral aroma with nuances reminiscent of rose and citrus. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note or a modifier in complex formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Geranyl propionate occurs naturally in various essential oils, including those of ginger and coriander. It is biosynthesized in plants through the esterification of geraniol with propionic acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavors and fragrances due to its presence in nature and its derivation from naturally occurring precursors.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Geranyl propionate is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and citrus profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing a sweet and floral note that enhances the overall complexity and realism of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in specific applications. It is generally stable under normal processing 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, geranyl propionate is incorporated into floral and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.1% to 1%. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh and uplifting aroma, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.273.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though some variability exists in concentration limits and application types across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, geranyl propionate is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but inferred from similar compounds. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Geranyl propionate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the optimal sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on geranyl propionate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some gaps exist in specific toxicological thresholds. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with most regions providing clear guidelines for its use.

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 13:55:26 GMT (p2)