FlavScents AInsights Entry for (+)-Nerolidol (CAS: 142-50-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Nerolidol, Peruviol
• IUPAC Name: (3S,6E)-3,7,11-Trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-ol
• CAS Number: 142-50-7
• FEMA Number: 2772
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062, CoE No. 2062
• Molecular Formula: C15H26O
• Molecular Weight: 222.37 g/mol

(+)-Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene alcohol characterized by its linear structure with three double bonds and a hydroxyl group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its floral and woody aroma, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(+)-Nerolidol is known for its delicate floral, woody, and citrus-like aroma. It is often described as having a fresh, green, and slightly fruity scent with a hint of rose and apple. The compound exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex fragrance compositions. Its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart subtle nuances even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Nerolidol is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those of ginger, jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, where it serves as a precursor to other terpenoids. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances."

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (+)-nerolidol is utilized for its ability to enhance floral and fruity notes. It is commonly used in fruit, floral, and herbal flavor categories. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Nerolidol is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, contributing to floral, woody, and citrus fragrance families. It functions as a modifier and impact note, providing depth and complexity to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are between 0.5% and 5%, depending on the desired intensity. Its moderate volatility allows it to act as a middle note, bridging top and base notes effectively.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, nerolidol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Nerolidol is valued for its ability to impart a natural, floral-woody character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and floral compounds, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its oxidation potential, which can alter its sensory profile. It is often under-utilized in formulations where its subtlety could provide a competitive edge.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on nerolidol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric safety thresholds are not always explicitly reported. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies for high-dose exposure scenarios.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-06-03 10:15:58 GMT (p2)