Citronellol

Synonyms

6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-; 2,6-Dimethyl-2-octen-8-ol; 3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol; Cephrol; Citronellol (ex. Java citronella oil) (natural); Citronellol (natural); Rodinol; beta-Citronellol; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet floral odor; [EPA BRADs] Colorless liquid with a rose-like odor; [Acros Organics MSDS]

Sources/Uses

l-Form: in rose and geranium oils; d-Form: in Ceylon and Java citronella oils; Used in perfumery; [Merck Index] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] Present in over 30 essential oils, fruits, edible plants, wine, beer, and black tea; Active ingredient in pesticide used to control mites on agricultural crops, ornamentals, and landscapes; Also extensively used as fragrance (detergents, soaps, lotions, perfumes, etc.), as a flavoring agent, and component of citronella oil (used in candles, sprays, oils, and insect repellents); [EPA BRADs]

Comments

Causes degenerative changes to brain, dermatitis, changes in liver and kidney weights, and somnolence in acute oral studies of rats; Causes alteration of classical conditioning and abnormal liver function tests in 100-day inhalation studies of rats; [RTECS] A moderate skin irritant; Category members and supporting chemicals demonstrate skin sensitization in humans and mice; No systemic toxicity in 112-day and 17-week oral studies of rats at the highest tested doses (approximately 500 mg/kg/day); Mortality, stomach lesions, and cytoplasmic vacuolization (lipidosis) of the liver, kidney, and myocardium in 13-week oral study of mice (LOAEL of 2,000 mg/kg/day); [EPA ChAMP: Terpenoid Primary Alcohols and Related Esters - 2009] Fragrance ingredient that is a recognized contact allergen in consumers; [EC: SCCNFP] Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA; [ToxPlanet: EPA BRADs] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] An irritant; [Acros Organics MSDS]

Biomedical References

0.0441 mm Hg

high ambient temp required

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)