Citronellyl acetate is a synthetically made and naturally occurring organic compound from the group of carboxylic acid esters. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but is also used industrially as a flavoring agent.
Occurrence Citronellyl acetate is found in the peel oils of various citrus fruits, such as oranges, bitter oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. It is also an important aroma component in kumquat oil and in roses (Rosa hybrida). It is also found in Douglas fir, in Vitex agnus-castus , in Corymbia citriodora, in certain subspecies of common juniper, in catnip and in Sichuan pepper.
Synthesis Citronellyl acetate can be produced enzymatically, i.e., catalyzed by a lipase, via various routes, for example by direct esterification of acetic acid with citronellol, by transesterification of butyl acetate with citronellol, or by transesterification of with butyl acetate.
Usage Citronellyl acetate is used as a flavoring agent and is generally approved for use in food in the EU under FL number 09.012.
Safety Citronellyl acetate is neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic, but it can cause sensitization. In animal studies with rats and mice, adverse health effects were only observed at higher doses.
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