Citronellyl acetate

Chemical properties

clear colourless liquid

Chemical properties

Citronellyl Acetate occurs in many essential oils either as one of its optical isomers or as the racemate. The odor of racemic citronellyl acetate differs little from that of the optical isomers. Racemic citronellyl acetate is a liquid with a fresh, fruity rose odor. It is often used as a fragrance, for example, for rose, lavender, and geranium notes as well as for eau de cologne with citrus nuances. Since it is relatively stable to alkali, it can be used in soaps and detergents. Citrus flavors acquire specific character through the addition of citronellyl acetate; it is also used to round off other fruit flavors.

Chemical properties

Citronellyl acetate has a fresh, fruity odor reminiscent of rose and a pungent taste at the beginning, turning to sweet, apricot-like taste afterward.

Occurrence

Reported in the oil of citronella, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Parl, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon and grapefruit peel oil, swangi (Citrus hystrix D.C.), ginger, tarragon, myrtle leaf, nutmeg, Cympogon citralis oil and beer.

The Uses of Citronellyl acetate

Citronellyl acetate is used as a reactant, and oxidized by ruthenium tetroxide catalyst in presence of acetonitrile.

The Uses of Citronellyl acetate

Perfumery, flavoring.

Definition

ChEBI: A monoterpenoid that is the acetate ester of citronellol. It has been isolated from Citrus hystrix.

Preparation

Citronellyl acetate is synthesized By esterification of citronellol with acetic acid or acetic anhydride.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 1 ppm

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: floral, green, fruity, sweet, citrus and waxy character.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. A human skin irritant. See also ESTERS. Combustible liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Synthesis

By direct acetylation of citronellol (natural or synthetic); its physical–chemical characteristics vary, depending on the quality of the starting alcohol.