l-Linalool (CAS 126-91-0) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
l-Linalool
CAS 126-91-0
What Is l-Linalool?
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. It’s a key component in lavender, bergamot, and coriander. You encounter it in perfumes, soaps, and aromatherapy products. Linalool matters because it contributes fresh, floral notes while also having calming properties, making it popular in relaxation-focused products.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does l-Linalool Smell Like?
Linalool greets you with a burst of fresh lavender and citrus, like walking through a sunlit herb garden. The heart reveals softer floral tones reminiscent of lily of the valley, while the dry-down leaves a clean, woody trail. Its scent evolves from bright to soothing, making it versatile in perfumery.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Linalool contributes to the fresh floral bouquet, balancing the aldehydes and enhancing the perfume’s timeless elegance.
Used to amplify the floral heart, linalool adds a natural, dewy quality to the fragrance’s luxurious floralcy.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)=CCC[C@@](C)(O)C=C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Linalool is a monoterpenoid alcohol with the molecular formula C10H18O. It exists as two enantiomers: (R)-(-)-linalool (coriander-like) and (S)-(+)-linalool (sweet lavender). Synthetically produced linalool is typically a racemic mixture. It’s commonly synthesized from pinene or via chemical routes involving myrcene.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 198 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.865 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 3-8% | Up to 15% | Versatile top note modifier |
| Soap | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds fresh floral character |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use linalool to add natural freshness to floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more complex, herbaceous lavender note is desired instead of pure linalool.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for use in all categories.
EU Allergen Declaration
Must be declared when present above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
Synthetic linalool reduces pressure on natural sources like rosewood. Production from renewable pinene sources is becoming more common, improving sustainability.
Explore l-Linalool
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bickers et al. (2003). Safety assessment of linalool. Food and Chemical Toxicology. PMID 12804650
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 126-91-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.7🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 182.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 91.5076 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 74.6 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 7.941💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.724💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(=CCCC(C)(C=C)O)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very fast💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrussweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcoholalkene💻 RDKit |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.0011 ppm (n=10)📖 van Gemert |
Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID40872607
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 154.253 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.836 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 182.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -11.63 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 74.6 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.463 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 179.667 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.7 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.128 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.128 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.5 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.007 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 91.508 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 3.878 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 26.886 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 136.976 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 49.504 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 19.625 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.
