FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citrus Limon Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil (CAS: 92346-89-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil, commonly referred to as lemon oil, is a complex natural material derived from the Citrus limon plant. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the lemon plant. The CAS number for this essential oil is 92346-89-9. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, it is recognized in various fragrance and flavor compendiums. The composition of this oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction method used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is characterized by its fresh, zesty, and citrusy aroma with floral undertones. The intensity of the scent is typically moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil is known for its bright and uplifting scent profile, often used to impart a sense of freshness and cleanliness. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, the oil is generally used to enhance citrus notes in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This essential oil is naturally sourced from the Citrus limon plant, commonly known as the lemon tree. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's flowers, leaves, and stems. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under various regulatory frameworks. The composition of the oil is influenced by factors such as the plant's growing conditions, the season of harvest, and the specific parts of the plant used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. It serves as a key ingredient in citrus flavor profiles, providing a fresh and authentic lemon note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is generally stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air, necessitating careful formulation considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, this oil is utilized across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and fresh compositions. It acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and brightness. The oil is often used in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the product type and desired scent profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil include limonene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, and citral. These compounds contribute to the oil's characteristic citrus aroma and are present in varying proportions depending on the source and extraction method. It is important to note that the composition can vary significantly, and formulators should verify the specific profile of the oil they are using.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is assigned an FL number for flavor use. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for natural flavorings, while ASEAN countries have harmonized standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but the oil is used within industry-typical margins of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals. The oil's volatility also necessitates consideration of inhalation exposure, especially in occupational settings. Overall, the risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls often applied in fragrance use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh and authentic citrus note. It synergizes well with other citrus oils and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to overpowering or harsh notes, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should consider the oil's stability and potential for oxidation when designing products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on citrus limon flower/leaf/stem oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical use levels. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data, such as detailed ADI values. Industry practices often fill these gaps with informed estimates and safety margins. Regulatory ambiguities may exist due to varying interpretations of "natural" designations across regions.
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
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 2026-06-12 13:38:35 GMT (p2)