Citronellyl acetate
[CAS# 150-84-5]

Identification

• Classification: Flavors and spices >> Synthetic spice >> Carboxylic acid and ester perfume >> Aliphatic carboxylate
• Name: Citronellyl acetate
• Synonyms: 3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-yl acetate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 198.30
• CAS Registry Number: 150-84-5
• EC Number: 205-775-0
• FEMA: 2311
• SMILES: CC(CCC=C(C)C)CCOC(=O)C

Properties

• Density: 0.891
• Boiling point: 229 °C
• Refractive index: 1.443-1.445
• Flash point: 101 °C
• Water solubility: PRACTICALLY INSOLUBLE

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H411
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P273-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400

Discovery and Applications

Discovered in the early 20th century, citronellol acetate is derived from citronellol, a natural aromatic compound found in the essential oils of certain plants such as lemongrass, rose, and geranium. Through esterification, citronellol is chemically transformed with acetic acid to produce citronellol acetate, a compound prized for its sweet, floral, citrusy notes.

One of the notable features of citronellol acetate is its versatility in perfumery. Its pleasant scent, reminiscent of flowers and citrus fruits, has made it a prized ingredient in a wide range of perfumes, colognes, and personal care products. Whether used as a top note to provide a bright, uplifting aroma or as a heart note to impart depth and complexity, citronellol acetate adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a wide range of fragrances.

In addition, the olfactory profile of citronellol acetate is not limited to perfumery, but can also be used in a variety of household and industrial products. Its pleasant scent makes it a popular choice for air fresheners, fabric softeners, and detergents, enhancing the sensory experience during daily tasks and leaving a lingering scent of freshness.

In addition to its aromatic qualities, citronellol acetate has other properties that make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic and personal care product formulations. Its mild, non-irritating properties make it suitable for use in skin care formulations such as creams, lotions and serums, where it imparts a light fragrance without causing sensitive reactions. In addition, its solubility in alcohol and other solvents makes it compatible with a wide range of formulations, allowing formulators to seamlessly incorporate its fragrance into a variety of products.

In addition to its applications in perfumes and cosmetics, citronellol acetate can be used in other industries. In the food and beverage industry, it is used as a flavoring agent to add fruity and floral notes to culinary creations and beverages. Its natural origin and pleasant taste make it an attractive choice for enhancing the flavor of confectionery, baked goods and beverages, helping to enhance the overall sensory experience of food.

In addition, the use of citronellol acetate extends to the fields of medicine and aromatherapy. Its soothing scent and calming properties make it a popular choice for aromatherapy applications, where it is believed to relax and relieve stress. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the formulation of topical preparations and pharmaceuticals to add a hint of fragrance to enhance the user experience.

References

2023. Citrus medica var. Sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle: an insight into its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. Phytochemistry Reviews, 22(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s11101-023-09865-0

2023. The potential of Sn-B-NaY-ZE catalyst for transformation of citronellal-rich essential oils to menthol-enrich oil via optimization through single factorial design to enhance their organoleptic profile and biological activities. Research on Chemical Intermediates, 49(9).
DOI: 10.1007/s11164-023-05056-w

1968. Studies on terpenes. II. Fresenius' Zeitschrift fur analytische Chemie, 241(1).
DOI: 10.1007/bf00503276