Linalool

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