Coriander herb oil (CAS 8008-52-4) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Coriander herb oil
CAS 8008-52-4
What Is Coriander herb oil?
Coriander herb oil is extracted from the leaves of the coriander plant, commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. You’ll encounter it in herbal teas, spice blends, and some natural fragrances. This oil matters because it offers a fresh, green aroma that’s distinctly different from coriander seed oil, providing perfumers with a unique herbal note that can brighten compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Coriander herb oil Smell Like?
Coriander herb oil bursts with vibrant greenness – think of crushing fresh cilantro leaves between your fingers. The opening is intensely herbal, almost citrusy with a peppery edge, like lime zest sprinkled over cut grass. As it develops, softer floral undertones emerge, reminiscent of linden blossoms, before settling into a clean, slightly woody dry-down. Unlike the spicy warmth of coriander seed oil, this remains crisp and uplifting throughout its evolution.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its bright green freshness that complements the violet leaf, creating an aqueous herbal effect in this contemporary cologne.
Adds a crisp vegetal quality to the mango note, enhancing the fragrance’s impression of sun-warmed greenery by the riverbank.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Coriander herb oil contains a complex mixture of aldehydes including decanal and (E)-2-decenal which contribute to its characteristic green aroma. Unlike the linalool-rich seed oil, the leaf oil contains higher proportions of aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols. The fresh green notes come primarily from (E)-2-dodecenal and (E)-2-tetradecenal. Extraction typically occurs through steam distillation of the fresh leaves, with yields varying based on growing conditions and harvest time.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to greenish liquid |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | ~60 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (E)-2-Decenal | 3913-81-3 | 154.25 | 235 °C | 4.1 | 0.01 mmHg |
| Decanal | 112-31-2 | 156.27 | 207-209 °C | 3.8 | 0.15 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds natural green freshness |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in shower gels for herbal character |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the green character from becoming too vegetal.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Synthetic alternative that captures the green freshness without the vegetal aspects, more stable in formulations.
When a warmer, spicier coriander character is desired rather than the fresh green leaf quality.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under current IFRA standards (as of 49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
None of the major constituents are listed in EU allergen regulations.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current use levels based on RIFM assessments of its major constituents.
Sustainability
Coriander is widely cultivated as both a spice and essential oil crop, generally requiring minimal pesticides. The herb oil is less commonly produced than seed oil, making sustainable sourcing important. Some producers practice organic cultivation and water-conscious harvesting methods to reduce environmental impact.
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References
- Lawrence, B.M. (2006). Essential Oils 2001-2004. Allured Publishing.
- Boelens, M.H. (1985). Sensory and chemical evaluation of coriander oil. Perfumer & Flavorist.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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