Neryl Acetate

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances)

• 🔎 IUPAC Name: (Z)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate

• 🧪 Synonyms: Neryl acetate

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₀O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 141-12-8

• 📘 FEMA: 2773

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight: 196.29 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Floral

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Sweet, floral, orange-blossom-like with dewy pear and soft tropical nuances

• ⚗️ Primary Uses: Citrus-floral perfumes, neroli-type bases, functional perfumery, food flavoring

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Neryl Acetate?

Neryl Acetate is a synthetic ester produced by esterification of nerol, a terpene alcohol, with acetic acid. It features a (Z)-configured double bond along its isoprenoid chain, which confers its distinct soft-floral and mildly fruity odor. Though present in natural essential oils like neroli and bergamot, most perfumery-grade Neryl Acetate is produced semi-synthetically for cost-efficiency and olfactory consistency.

Its moderate volatility, low irritancy, and non-reactivity make it suitable across fine fragrance, personal care, and aromatized consumer product formulations.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

👃🏼 Scent Description: Soft, sweet floral resembling neroli, orange blossom, and dewy pear. Lacks sharp aldehydic edges.
⚗️ Functional Role:

• Mid-to-top note modifier

• Enhances floral volume in neroli, peony, jasmine, and magnolia compositions

• Adds realism and roundness to citrus heads (bergamot, lemon, petitgrain)

• Bridges transitions between citrus and floral phases

🧴 Applications:

• Fine fragrance (eaux fraîches, chypres, white florals)

• Functional perfumery (shampoos, lotions, deodorants)

• Botanical-style or “natural effect” fragrance design

🔗 Compatible with: Linalool, linalyl acetate, hedione, citronellol, phenethyl alcohol

Industrial & Technical Uses

Neryl Acetate is also approved as a flavoring agent (FEMA 2773) for use in:

• Fruit-forward beverages

• Dairy-based desserts

• Confectionery (in low ppm concentrations)

Its role outside perfumery remains limited to aromatics due to its low reactivity and high olfactory specificity.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA: Listed with usage guidance; not restricted under the 51st Amendment

• EU Allergens: Not among the 26 mandatory declarable fragrance allergens

• FEMA GRAS: FEMA 2773 – approved for flavoring within controlled use levels

• ECHA (REACH): Registered; not classified as hazardous under CLP

• Toxicology:

  • Not a sensitizer at standard use levels

  • Not mutagenic, carcinogenic, or endocrine-disrupting

  • Stable under normal formulation conditions

  • Moderately biodegradable; not PBT or vPvB

✅ Considered safe and effective for perfumery, cosmetics, and regulated food flavoring within approved concentration limits.

Sources

• IFF Ingredient Data Sheet – Neryl Acetate

• FEMA GRAS Database – Entry 2773

• ECHA Substance Information – CAS 141-12-8

• Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals

• RIFM Database on Monoterpene Esters

• The Good Scents Company – Neryl Acetate Profile

• Peer-reviewed studies on citrus ester volatiles and nerol derivatives