FlavScents AInsights Entry: Geranyl Acetate (CAS: 105-87-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Geranyl Acetate
- IUPAC Name: 3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate
- CAS Number: 105-87-3
- FEMA Number: 2509
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
- Molecular Formula: C12H20O2
- Molecular Weight: 196.29 g/mol
Geranyl acetate is an ester formed from geraniol and acetic acid. It is characterized by its pleasant floral and fruity aroma, which is attributed to its functional groups, including an ester linkage and a conjugated diene system. These structural features contribute to 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 acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of roses and geraniums. It exhibits moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it an effective impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound is often used to impart a fresh, floral character and is valued for its ability to blend well with other floral and citrus notes.
Odor thresholds for geranyl acetate are not extensively documented, but it is typically used at low concentrations due to its potent aroma. In flavor applications, it serves as a background realism enhancer, while in fragrances, it acts as a modifier and impact note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranyl acetate is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those of roses, geraniums, and lemongrass. It is biosynthesized in plants through the acetylation of geraniol, a process catalyzed by specific enzymes. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread occurrence in nature.
The formation of geranyl acetate in plants is part of the broader terpenoid biosynthesis pathway, which is crucial for the production of many aromatic compounds used in flavor and fragrance industries.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Geranyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including citrus, floral, and fruity profiles. It plays a functional role as a modifier and enhancer, providing a fresh and floral note that complements other flavor components. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often around 1 ppm.
The stability of geranyl acetate in flavor formulations is generally good, although it can be susceptible to hydrolysis under acidic conditions and may degrade upon prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, geranyl acetate is a versatile ingredient used across various fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and chypre. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and character.
Geranyl acetate's volatility allows it to impart a fresh, floral aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile, making it a popular choice for perfumers seeking to create balanced and harmonious scents.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
Geranyl acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. It is also approved by the FDA for use in food products.
European Union
Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, geranyl acetate is permitted as a flavoring substance. It holds an FL number, indicating its approval for use in foodstuffs.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavoring substances, maintaining similar approvals for geranyl acetate.
Asia
In Japan and China, geranyl acetate is approved for use in food and fragrance applications, subject to local regulatory guidelines.
Latin America
Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize geranyl acetate as safe for use in flavors and fragrances, adhering to international safety standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Geranyl acetate has a high margin of safety for oral exposure, with an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) not specifically established but considered safe at typical use levels in food.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, geranyl acetate is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use concentrations. It is included in IFRA standards, which guide safe use levels in personal care products.
Inhalation Exposure
Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but geranyl acetate is not associated with significant respiratory risks under normal use conditions in fragrances.
Overall, the risk profiles for geranyl acetate do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, provided that usage guidelines are followed.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranyl acetate 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 and appeal of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and instability in acidic or high-heat environments.
Formulators often use geranyl acetate to add depth and realism to floral compositions, making it a staple in the creation of sophisticated and balanced products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources such as FEMA and EFSA. Industry practices are well-documented, although some specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification.
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 2026-01-27 15:12:52 GMT (p2)
