FlavScents AInsights Entry for Geranyl Isobutyrate (CAS: 2345-26-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Geranyl isobutyrate is a chemical compound commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is 3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl 2-methylpropanoate. The CAS number for geranyl isobutyrate is 2345-26-8. It is also identified by its FEMA number, which is 2505. The molecular formula of geranyl isobutyrate is C14H24O2, and it has a molecular weight of 224.34 g/mol. This compound features an ester functional group, which is significant for its odor profile, contributing to its fruity and floral scent characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Geranyl isobutyrate is known for its pleasant, fruity, and floral aroma, often described as reminiscent of pear and rose with a hint of citrus. It is used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a fresh and sweet character. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background realism enhancer or a modifier in complex formulations. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but its sensory role is well recognized in the industry.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranyl isobutyrate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving geraniol and isobutyric acid. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, its components, such as geraniol, are naturally occurring in various essential oils, including rose and citronella.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, geranyl isobutyrate is utilized in a variety of applications, including fruit flavors, especially pear, apple, and citrus. It serves as a functional component that enhances the overall flavor profile by adding depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Geranyl isobutyrate is employed in the fragrance industry across several fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and citrus. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, geranyl isobutyrate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns with EU regulations, though specific divergences may occur. In Asia, including Japan and China, it is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, but specific regulatory details should be verified. In Latin America, countries like Brazil follow MERCOSUR guidelines, which typically harmonize with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Geranyl isobutyrate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances within established limits. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported, but it is used at low concentrations. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranyl isobutyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity, and floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and terpenes, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor, and instability under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance the overall sensory experience.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranyl isobutyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are less frequently reported. Regulatory ambiguities may exist in certain regions, necessitating verification for specific applications.
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 2026-01-16 19:35:49 GMT (p2)