Geranyl propionate (CAS 105-90-8) — Floral Top to Mid Note Fragrance Ingredient
Geranyl propionate
CAS 105-90-8
What Is Geranyl propionate?
Geranyl propionate is a floral-fruity synthetic fragrance ingredient often used in perfumes and body care products. It provides a fresh, rosy character with hints of pear and citrus. This ester is prized for its ability to add naturalistic fruitiness to floral compositions, making scents feel more approachable and vibrant.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Geranyl propionate Smell Like?
Geranyl propionate bursts with a luminous, wet freshness reminiscent of dewy rose petals and just-peeled citrus zest. The opening has a sparkling pear-like juiciness that gradually softens into a rounded floral heart. As it dries, a subtle green stemminess emerges, keeping the sweetness in check. The dry-down reveals a whisper of clean musk, leaving a lingering impression of sun-warmed fruit on a wooden cutting board.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the fruity facets of the grapefruit-quince opening, creating a dewy, luminous effect that enhances the white floral heart.
Adds a juicy, fresh-picked quality to the peony and rose accord, making the floral bouquet feel alive and dewy rather than powdery.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCC(=O)OC\C=C(/C)CCC=C(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Geranyl propionate is an ester formed from geraniol and propionic acid. Industrially produced via acid-catalyzed esterification, this molecule features the characteristic ten-carbon skeleton of monoterpenoids. The propionate esterification increases volatility compared to geraniol while maintaining good stability. Its chiral center at C-2 means it exists as (R)- and (S)-enantiomers, though commercial material is typically racemic.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 253 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.906 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.456 |
| Flash Point | >100 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Floral-fruity modifier |
| Body Care | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Adds freshness without harshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge citrus top notes with floral hearts, especially in modern fruity-floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a more citrusy, slightly sharper fruity effect with similar floral character but less pear-like roundness.
When a rosier, honeyed fruitiness is desired with less green character and better persistence.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to geranyl propionate under current standards (as of 50th Amendment).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with no significant toxicological concerns.
Sustainability
As a synthetic ingredient, geranyl propionate has consistent quality without natural variation. Production uses established esterification chemistry with good atom economy. The geraniol precursor can be derived from renewable pinene sources rather than petrochemicals in many modern production routes.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. ISBN 9783527600214
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8051540
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 210.317 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.935 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 265.283 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -35.19 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 106.275 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.459 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 233.437 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.63 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.022 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.674 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 27.659 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 136.483 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 6 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 63.852 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 25.313 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
