Geranyl acetate: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:59, 16 February 2025

Geranyl Acetate[edit]

Geranyl acetate is a naturally occurring terpene and an ester that is commonly found in the essential oils of various plants. It is known for its pleasant floral aroma and is widely used in the fragrance and flavor industries.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

Geranyl acetate is an ester formed from geraniol and acetic acid. Its chemical formula is C₁₂H₂₀O₂. The compound is characterized by a clear, colorless liquid appearance and a sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of roses and other floral scents.

Physical Properties[edit]

Molecular Weight: 196.29 g/mol
Boiling Point: Approximately 230°C
Density: 0.89 g/cm_

Chemical Properties[edit]

Geranyl acetate is relatively stable but can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of acids or bases to yield geraniol and acetic acid. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether but has limited solubility in water.

Occurrence[edit]

Geranyl acetate is found in the essential oils of several plants, including lemongrass, coriander, and geranium. It contributes to the characteristic scents of these plants and is often extracted for use in perfumes and flavorings.

Uses[edit]

Geranyl acetate is primarily used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant aroma. It is a common ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. Additionally, it is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, imparting a fruity and floral taste to various products.

Synthesis[edit]

Geranyl acetate can be synthesized through the esterification of geraniol with acetic acid. This reaction typically requires an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, to proceed efficiently.

Safety and Toxicology[edit]

Geranyl acetate is generally regarded as safe when used in appropriate quantities. However, as with many essential oil components, it can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper handling and dilution are recommended to minimize any potential adverse effects.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Geranyl acetate''' is an organic compound that is classified as a [[monoterpene]] and an [[ester]]. It is commonly found in a wide variety of plants and is responsible for their pleasant fragrances. This compound is particularly prevalent in essential oils, such as [[rose oil]], [[lavender oil]], and [[bergamot oil]], contributing to their distinctive aromas. Geranyl acetate is used extensively in the [[perfumery]] industry, as well as in the formulation of flavorings and in aromatherapy.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Geranyl acetate}}
-==Chemical Properties==
+== Geranyl Acetate ==
-Geranyl acetate has the chemical formula C_12H_20O_2. It is formed by the esterification of [[acetic acid]] and [[geraniol]]. This compound is known for its sweet, floral aroma, which is reminiscent of roses with slight fruity and citrus notes. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is soluble in common organic solvents but has limited solubility in water.
+[[File:Geranyl_acetate_skeletal.svg|thumb|right|Skeletal structure of geranyl acetate]]
-==Biosynthesis==
+'''Geranyl acetate''' is a naturally occurring [[terpene]] and an [[ester]] that is commonly found in the essential oils of various plants. It is known for its pleasant floral aroma and is widely used in the [[fragrance]] and [[flavor]] industries.
-In plants, geranyl acetate is biosynthesized through the [[mevalonate pathway]] or the [[methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway]], depending on the plant species. These pathways are crucial for the production of isoprenoids, a diverse class of organic compounds that includes terpenes and terpenoids. Geranyl acetate is formed when geraniol, a primary product of these pathways, undergoes an enzymatic reaction with acetyl-CoA, catalyzed by an acetyltransferase enzyme.
-==Uses==
+== Chemical Structure and Properties ==
-===Fragrance and Flavoring===
+Geranyl acetate is an ester formed from [[geraniol]] and [[acetic acid]]. Its chemical formula is C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>20</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. The compound is characterized by a clear, colorless liquid appearance and a sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of roses and other floral scents.
-Due to its pleasant scent, geranyl acetate is widely used in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products. It is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, imparting a sweet, fruity taste.
-===Aromatherapy===
+=== Physical Properties ===
-In [[aromatherapy]], geranyl acetate-rich essential oils are used for their purported therapeutic effects. These oils are believed to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties, although scientific evidence to fully support these claims is limited.
+* '''Molecular Weight:''' 196.29 g/mol
+* '''Boiling Point:''' Approximately 230°C
+* '''Density:''' 0.89 g/cm_
-===Pharmaceuticals===
+=== Chemical Properties ===
-Research into the pharmacological properties of geranyl acetate is ongoing. Preliminary studies suggest that it may possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a potential candidate for use in pharmaceuticals and natural health products.
+Geranyl acetate is relatively stable but can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of acids or bases to yield geraniol and acetic acid. It is soluble in organic solvents such as [[ethanol]] and [[diethyl ether]] but has limited solubility in water.
-==Safety and Regulation==
+== Occurrence ==
-Geranyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies for its use in flavors and fragrances. However, like many essential oil components, it should be used with caution, as it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals when applied topically or ingested in large quantities.
+Geranyl acetate is found in the essential oils of several plants, including [[lemongrass]], [[coriander]], and [[geranium]]. It contributes to the characteristic scents of these plants and is often extracted for use in perfumes and flavorings.
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Uses ==
-Being a naturally occurring compound, geranyl acetate is considered to be environmentally friendly. It is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment. However, the cultivation of plants for essential oil production can have environmental impacts, including land use changes and the use of resources such as water and energy.
+Geranyl acetate is primarily used in the fragrance industry due to its pleasant aroma. It is a common ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. Additionally, it is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, imparting a fruity and floral taste to various products.
+== Synthesis ==
+Geranyl acetate can be synthesized through the esterification of geraniol with acetic acid. This reaction typically requires an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, to proceed efficiently.
+== Safety and Toxicology ==
+Geranyl acetate is generally regarded as safe when used in appropriate quantities. However, as with many essential oil components, it can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper handling and dilution are recommended to minimize any potential adverse effects.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Geraniol]]
+* [[Terpene]]
+* [[Essential oil]]
+* [[Ester]]
-[[Category:Monoterpenes]]
 [[Category:Esters]]
+[[Category:Terpenes]]
 [[Category:Flavors]]
 [[Category:Fragrances]]
-[[Category:Aromatherapy]]
-{{Chemistry-stub}}