 |
|
||||
| Geraniol | |||||
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number : | 106-24-1 |
| Chem Spider : | 13849989 |
| EC number : | 203-377-1 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula : | C10H18O |
| Molar mass : | 154.25 g mol−1 |
| Density : | 0.889 g/cm3 |
| Melting point : | 15 °C, 288 K, 59 °F |
| Boiling point : | 229 °C, 502 K, 444 °F |
| Solubility in water : | Insoluble |
Geraniol is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol . It is the primary part of rose oil , palmarosa oil, and citronella oil (Java type). It also occurs in small quantities in geranium , lemon , and many other essential oils . It appears as a clear to pale-yellow oil that is insoluble in water, but soluble in most common organic solvents. It has a rose -like odor and is commonly used in perfumes . It is used in flavors such as peach, raspberry, grapefruit, red apple, plum, lime, orange, lemon, watermelon, pineapple, and blueberry.
Uses :
Research has shown geraniol to be an effective plant-based mosquito repellent. On the other hand, it can attract bees as it is produced by the scent glands of honey bees to help them mark nectar-bearing flowers and locate the entrances to their hives. Although geraniol and other flavor compounds are found naturally in well-aged tobacco , geraniol is listed in a 1994 report from cigarette companies as one of the 599 additives to cigarettes to improve their flavor.
Biochemistry :
The functional group based on geraniol (inessence, geraniol lacking the terminal -OH) is called geranyl. It is important in biosynthesis of other terpenes . It is a by-product of the metabolism of sorbate and, thus, is a very unpleasant contaminant of wine if bacteria are allowed to grow in wine.
Reactions :
In acidic solutions, geraniol is converted to the cyclic terpene alpha-terpineol.
Health and safety :
Geraniol should be avoided by people with perfume allergy.