FlavScents AInsights Entry for Nerolidol (CAS: 7212-44-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Nerolidol
• IUPAC Name: (3S,6S)-3,7,11-Trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol
• CAS Number: 7212-44-4
• FEMA Number: 2772
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C15H26O
• Molecular Weight: 222.37 g/mol

Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene alcohol characterized by its linear structure with three double bonds and a hydroxyl group. This structure contributes to its floral and woody aroma, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications. The presence of the hydroxyl group enhances its solubility in alcohols and contributes to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Nerolidol is known for its delicate floral aroma with woody undertones, often described as fresh, green, and slightly citrusy. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. The odor threshold of nerolidol is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations.

In flavor applications, nerolidol can contribute to the freshness and complexity of fruit and floral profiles, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Its role as a modifier is crucial in balancing and rounding off the sensory characteristics of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Nerolidol is naturally found in various essential oils, including those of ginger, jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, a common route for terpenoid formation. This compound is often associated with the "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designation due to its widespread occurrence in nature.

The presence of nerolidol in essential oils contributes to their characteristic aromas and therapeutic properties. Its formation is typically linked to enzymatic processes within the plant, which can vary based on environmental factors and plant species.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Nerolidol is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and herbal profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Stability considerations for nerolidol include its moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be prone to oxidation. Formulators often use antioxidants to preserve its integrity in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, nerolidol is valued for its versatility across various fragrance families, including floral, woody, and citrus. It acts as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%.

Nerolidol contributes to the middle and base notes of a fragrance, providing a lasting and diffusive aroma. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with other fragrance components, creating a harmonious scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.062.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR, with some country-specific regulations.

Nerolidol's regulatory status is well-established, with harmonized approvals across major regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Nerolidol is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances, with a favorable safety profile. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. IFRA guidelines provide specific usage limits to ensure consumer safety.

Inhalation exposure is minimal due to nerolidol's moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Nerolidol is a valuable material for its ability to enhance and modify sensory profiles. It synergizes well with other terpenes and floral compounds, providing a balanced and complex aroma. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth.

Formulators should consider nerolidol's stability and compatibility with other ingredients to optimize its performance in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on nerolidol is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research continuing to refine its applications and safety assessments.

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 2026-08-29 09:24:53 GMT (p2)