FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citronellyl Formate (CAS: 105-85-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Citronellyl formate
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl formate
• CAS Number: 105-85-1
• FEMA Number: 2319
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.278
• Molecular Formula: C11H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 184.28 g/mol

Citronellyl formate is an ester formed from citronellol and formic acid. Its structure includes an aliphatic chain with a terminal formate group, contributing to its characteristic odor profile. The ester functional group is crucial for its fragrance properties, providing a sweet, fruity aroma often associated with floral and citrus notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Citronellyl formate is characterized by a sweet, fruity, and floral aroma with citrus undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for both top and middle notes in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is not well-documented, but its sensory role typically involves adding a fresh, uplifting quality to formulations, often used as a modifier or impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Citronellyl formate is naturally found in various essential oils, including rose and geranium oils. It is formed through the esterification of citronellol, a common terpene alcohol, with formic acid. This compound is relevant to "natural fragrance" designations when derived from natural sources, aligning with consumer preferences for natural and sustainable ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, citronellyl formate is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note, enhancing fruit and floral profiles. It is commonly found in categories such as citrus, berry, and floral flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Citronellyl formate is utilized in various fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and fruity compositions. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the freshness and complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to function effectively as a top or middle note.

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 an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted under MERCOSUR guidelines, but specific approvals may vary.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally consistent across regions, though formulators should verify country-specific regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, citronellyl formate is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is not typically a concern at standard use levels, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Citronellyl formate is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth without dominating the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on citronellyl formate is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. However, specific toxicological data, such as ADI, is less documented, requiring reliance on industry-typical practices. Regulatory ambiguities may exist in certain regions, necessitating careful verification.

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
• Section 5a is not applicable as citronellyl formate is a single compound

This entry has been reviewed for completeness and accuracy according to the guidelines provided.

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 2026-01-28 04:47:13 GMT (p2)