Synthetic Ingredient Overview
- 🔎 Chemical Name: 3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol 
- 🧪 Synonyms: Licareol (L-Linalool), Coriandrol (D-Linalool), dl-Linalool 
- 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₈O 
- 📂 CAS N°: 78-70-6 
- 📘 FEMA: 2635 
- ⚖️ MW: 154.25 g/mol 
- 📝 Odor Type: Fresh, Floral 
- 📈 Odor Strength: Medium (top note only) 
- 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Floral-woody with a faint citrus edge; clean and light 
- 👅 Flavor Profile: Creamy-floral, non-sweet; varies with concentration 
- ⚗️ Uses: Top-note enhancer, floral and citrus modifier 
- 🧴 Appearance: Clear to pale liquid 
What is Linalool?
Linalool is a terpene alcohol with two chiral forms (R and S), present in over 200 plant species including lavender, rosewood, and citrus fruits. Commercially, it is available as a synthetic or semi-synthetic compound, either isolated from essential oils like Bois de Rose or synthesized via hydration of myrcene, a monoterpene from turpentine sources.
Linalool serves as a building block in perfumery and flavor chemistry, as well as a precursor for vitamin E synthesis. It is a low-boiling, top-note ingredient with limited tenacity but strong initial diffusion. The odor differs subtly between isomers: L-Linalool (from rosewood) is slightly fresher, while D-Linalool (from coriander) leans spicier.
Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications
Olfactory Characteristics:
- Floral, slightly woody 
- Light citrus nuance 
- Subtle creamy quality in dilution 
Main Perfumery Roles:
- Top-note elevation in Muguet, Lavender, and Herbal bases 
- Used in Citrus, Fougère, Chypre, and Aromatic styles 
- Often included in Lilac, Sweet Pea, Apple Blossom, Frangipani, and Peony accords 
Common Synergies:
- Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium, Coumarin 
- Works well with Vanillin and citrus aldehydes 
Functionality in Formula:
- Imparts brightness, openness 
- Smooths transitions in volatile top accords 
- Used at 0.05%–1.5% in fine fragrance; lower in functional applications 
Industrial & Technical Uses
Linalool is used widely beyond fine fragrance:
- Functional Perfumes: Soaps, detergents, and air fresheners (as freshness enhancer) 
- Flavoring: Present in blueberry, grape, cola, and chocolate imitations 
- Fixative Synergy: Vanillin strengthens creamy tones and suppresses off-notes 
Linalool also serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of vitamin E and other aroma compounds (e.g., Linalyl acetate, Linalool oxides).
Regulatory & Safety Overview
- IFRA: No global prohibition; QRA-based concentration limits apply depending on product category 
- EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC 1223/2009): - Listed as one of the 26 fragrance allergens 
- Declaration required above 0.001% (leave-on) and 0.01% (rinse-off) 
 
- FEMA GRAS Status: FEMA 2635 
- ECHA CLP Classification: - H317 — May cause allergic skin reaction 
- REACH registered 
 
- Phototoxicity: None known 
- Toxicology: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic; safe under normal use 
✅ Synthetic linalool is safe when used within IFRA guidelines. Natural trace impurities can influence allergenicity; purity and isomer type should be confirmed per batch.
Additional Information
- Boiling Point: 198°C 
- Flash Point: 71°C 
- Density: 0.858 g/cm³ at 25°C 
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol and most perfume carriers 
- Notable Derivatives: Linalyl Acetate, Linalool Oxide, Hydroxycitronellal (via hydrogenation) 
Sources
- User-provided technical sheet 
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubChem CID: 6549) 
- IFRA 51st Amendment 
- Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander (1969) 
- ECHA Substance Information 
- FEMA GRAS Database 
 
         
         
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
    
      
      
        
          
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
