Geraniol

Geraniol is a monoterpene alcohol that is found in various essential oils. It is primarily used in the perfumery industry due to its sweet, rose-like aroma. Geraniol is also used in the production of repellents as it is known to repel certain insects such as mosquitoes.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Geraniol has the chemical formula C10H18O and is a colorless to pale-yellow liquid at room temperature. It is classified as a monoterpene alcohol and is composed of two isoprene units. Geraniol is soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water. It has a sweet, rose-like aroma which makes it a popular ingredient in the perfumery industry.

Sources

Geraniol is found in a variety of essential oils including rose oil, citronella oil, and lemongrass oil. It is also present in small amounts in geranium, lemon, and many other essential oils. The concentration of geraniol in these oils can vary greatly depending on the source and extraction method used.

Uses

Geraniol is primarily used in the perfumery industry due to its sweet, rose-like aroma. It is a common ingredient in perfumes, lotions, and soaps. Geraniol is also used in the production of repellents as it is known to repel certain insects such as mosquitoes. In addition, geraniol has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Safety and Toxicity

While geraniol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using products containing geraniol. Ingestion of geraniol can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and should be avoided.

See Also

• Monoterpene
• Essential oil
• Perfumery
• Repellent