Geraniol

Synonyms

(E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol; (E)-Geraniol; (E)-Nerol; 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (E)-; 2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, trans-; 2-trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, (E)-; 3,7-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadien-1-ol; Geraniol (natural); Geraniol Extra; Geraniol alcohol; Geranyl alcohol; Lemonol; beta-Geraniol; trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol; trans-Geraniol; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Alcohols and Polyols, Other

Description

Colorless to yellow liquid with geranium odor; [Hawley] Colorless liquid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, insect attractants, foods, and beverages; [HSDB] Occurs naturally in oil of rose, oil of palmarosa, citronella, lemon grass, and other essential oils; [Merck Index] One of the most common terpenoid chemicals used in soap as a fragrance; [Marks, p. 173] Active ingredient in biopesticide used to control mites on agricultural crops, ornamentals, and landscapes; [ExPub: EPA BRADs]

Comments

Allergic dermatitis with positive patch testing has been reported; "Geraniol was not sensitizing in the human maximization test." A child had convulsions and died after ingesting an unknown quantity of citronella containing 93% geraniol. [HSDB] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK] A component of the "fragrance mix"; Patch testing by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group showed 2.8% positive tests to geraniol. [Marks, p. 173] An irritant; Not known to be a sensitizer; Causes CNS depression, spastic paralysis and liver weight changes in high-dose animal studies; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Nerol."

Biomedical References

0.03 mm Hg

must be preheated

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

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
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)