Geranyl hexanoate (CAS 10032-02-07) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Geranyl hexanoate
CAS 10032-02-07
What Is Geranyl hexanoate?
Geranyl hexanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fruity, floral nuances to perfumes and scented products. You’ll encounter it in body lotions, soaps, and fine fragrances where a fresh, slightly sweet character is desired. This ester matters because it provides stability and longevity to fruity-floral accords, helping maintain scent profiles in products that undergo heat or storage stress.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Geranyl hexanoate Smell Like?
Geranyl hexanoate bursts with a crisp, fruity top note reminiscent of underripe bananas and pear skins, layered over a dewy rose petal heart. As it evolves, the scent reveals a candied citrus quality like bergamot marmalade, settling into a soft, musky base with whispers of green tea leaves. The dry-down maintains remarkable tenacity for a fruity ester, leaving a clean trail of sun-warmed apricots on skin.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the citrus-herbal accord, providing a juicy counterpoint to bitter orange and basil with its rounded fruity character.
Contributes to the luminous mango facet, blending with grapefruit and carrot seed to create the illusion of sun-ripened tropical fruits.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Geranyl hexanoate belongs to the ester class, formed via Fischer esterification between geraniol and hexanoic acid. This synthetic process yields higher purity than natural extraction. The molecule features a monoterpene backbone (geranyl) esterified with a medium-chain fatty acid (hexanoate), giving it balanced volatility. Its chiral center at the geraniol moiety influences odor perception, with the (R)-enantiomer exhibiting brighter fruity characteristics compared to the more floral (S)-form.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~250 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.89 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Fruity modifier in floral bouquets |
| Body Care | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 2% | Adds freshness to shower gels |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create dimensional stone fruit effects without excessive sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For brighter, more citrus-forward fruity notes with faster evaporation. Preferred in top note constructions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current fragrance use levels based on RIFM’s 2015 assessment.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, geranyl hexanoate avoids agricultural land use but depends on petrochemical feedstocks. Green chemistry approaches using bio-based geraniol are being developed. Its production generates minimal waste when using modern catalytic processes.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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