This section provides an overview of geraniol, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agrochemical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to geraniol manufacturers, supply chain issues, geraniol suppliers, and geraniol prices. Sinofi can help you buy geraniol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2507 and CAS 106-24-1.
Table of Contents
What is Geraniol?
Geraniol, a naturally occurring monoterpenoid alcohol prized for its elegant rose-citrus character, has become one of the most commercially significant aroma chemicals in the cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and household products. It is derived from natural sources such as palmarosa oil, citronella oil, and rose oil. or produced synthetically. It is also a key raw material for the synthesis of geranyl acetate. Geraniol is the trans-isomer of the nerol–geraniol pair, distinguished by the E-configuration of the double bond at the C2–C3 position. The molecule contains two non-conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds and a primary hydroxyl group, which together govern its reactivity, volatility, and sensory character. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), geraniol is approved to be used in the flavour and fragrance industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Geraniol has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, IFRA and WHO. It enjoys broad regulatory acceptance as a flavouring substance in all major global markets. The following table summarises its status across key regulatory frameworks.
- FEMA GRAS: Yes — FEMA No. 2507; Generally Recognised as Safe for use in flavourings.
- FDA (21 CFR 172.515): Approved as a synthetic flavouring substance and adjuvant in the United States.
- EU Regulation No 872/2012: Permitted flavouring substance; listed in the EU Union List.
- JECFA: Evaluated and assigned an acceptable daily intake (ADI) as “not limited” at current use levels.
- IFRA: Permitted in fragrances; subject to restriction levels depending on product category.
- Codex Alimentarius: Recognised as a flavouring agent for use in foodstuffs.
- China GB 2760: Approved for use as a food flavouring in China.
- Japan FEMA/JSFA: Permitted as a designated food additive for flavouring purposes.
Odour Threshold and Sensory Profile
Geraniol presents a sweet, warm, floral odour that is immediately recognisable as rose-like. This primary character is complemented by secondary facets of citrus peel, geranium leaf, and a subtle, waxy, honey-like undertone. At dilution, the profile shifts toward a cleaner, more citrus-forward impression with less of the heavier floral body. Geraniol interacts synergistically with a number of other flavour materials. It blends exceptionally well with citronellol, linalool, and nerol to build multi-dimensional rose accords. In citrus formulations, small additions of geraniol (typically below 2 ppm in the finished product) can round out the sweetness and provide a floral lift without being identifiable as rose. In berry flavours, it supports the perception of natural ripeness, especially when combined with damascenone, linalool, and gamma-decalactone.
Natural Occurrence
Geraniol occurs naturally in a remarkably wide range of botanical sources. It is a major constituent of palmarosa oil (Cymbopogon martinii), where it can account for 70–85% of the essential oil by weight. It is also present at significant levels in rose oil (Rosa damascena), citronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus), geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens), and lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus). Beyond essential oils, geraniol is found in many fruits, vegetables, and spices, including grapes, blueberries, carrots, coriander, nutmeg, and ginger. In oenology, geraniol is a significant contributor to the varietal aroma of Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling grape varieties, where it is present both in free form and as glycosidically bound precursors that are released during fermentation and ageing.
CAS No.: 106-24-1
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of geraniol is 106-24-1.
CAS Name: Geraniol
Molecular Formula: C10H18O
Molecular Mass: 154.25
Appearance: Colourless, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 1223
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 229.00 to 230.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and fixed oils. Insoluble in glycerin.
Other Names:
♦ Geranyl alcohol
♦ Lemonol
♦ trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
♦ trans-Geraniol
♦β-Geraniol
♦ (E)-Geraniol
♦ (E)-Nerol
♦ (E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
Geraniol Odor
Odour Strength: Medium.
Substantivity: 60 hours at 100.00 %.
Odour Description: At 100.00%, sweet, floral, fruity, rose, waxy citrus.
FEMA Number 2507
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of geraniol is 2507.
Bulk Geraniol Manufacturers
The bulk geraniol production exhibits a tiered competitive structure. Top geraniol manufacturers like BASF, IFF, Givaudan, Firmenich and Symrise use citral as a key building block for downstream products such as citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and menthol. BASF, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, is one of the world’s most prominent producers of aroma chemicals, including geraniol.
Sinofi is a bulk geraniol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of geraniol. We supply high-quality geraniol at bulk prices and serve fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agrochemical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Geraniol
Industrial geraniol manufacturing relies on three principal strategies: extraction and purification from natural plant oils, total or partial chemical synthesis using petroleum-derived or terpene starting materials, and, more recently, microbial biosynthesis through metabolic engineering. Each pathway presents distinct advantages and limitations with respect to cost, scalability, purity, environmental footprint, and feedstock availability.
Isolation from Natural Essential Oils
Source Oils and Pre-treatment
Palmarosa oil is the predominant natural source of geraniol, containing 70–85% geraniol by weight depending on cultivar, growing conditions, and harvest timing. Crude essential oils are first obtained from plant biomass by steam distillation or hydrodistillation. The resulting oil undergoes preliminary treatment to remove water, suspended particulates, and waxes. Acid-labile impurities may be neutralised by a mild alkaline wash, followed by drying over anhydrous sodium sulphate or molecular sieves.
Fractional Distillation
The primary industrial method for isolating geraniol from essential oils is fractional vacuum distillation. Operating under reduced pressure (typically 5–15 mmHg) lowers the effective boiling point, minimizing thermal degradation and isomerization to nerol or cyclisation products. Multi-stage packed or plate columns with 20–40 theoretical plates provide the separation efficiency required to resolve geraniol (bp 229 °C at atmospheric pressure) from co-occurring terpene alcohols and aldehydes.
Chemical Synthesis
From β-Pinene via Myrcene
The most widely practised synthetic route to geraniol begins with β-pinene, a turpentine-derived terpene abundantly available as a by-product of the pulp and paper industry. β-Pinene undergoes thermal pyrolysis at 400–600 °C (typically in a continuous tubular reactor with a short residence time of 1–3 seconds) to yield myrcene (7-methyl-3-methyleneocta-1,6-diene) via retro-[2+2] cycloaddition. Industrial myrcene yields of 70–80% are routinely achieved, with limonene, ocimene, and allo-ocimene as principal by-products.
Myrcene is then converted to geraniol through regioselective addition of hydrogen chloride (HCl) to form geranyl chloride (1-chloro-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene), followed by alkaline hydrolysis. The hydrochlorination is carried out in the liquid phase at 0–30 °C, using catalytic quantities of cuprous chloride (CuCl) to direct the Markovnikov 1,4-addition across the conjugated diene system and favour the desired trans-allylic chloride regiochemistry. The geranyl chloride intermediate is hydrolysed with aqueous sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to furnish geraniol.
From Isoprene – Prenol and Prenyl Chloride Routes
An alternative petrochemical route starts from isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), available from C₅ cracker streams. Controlled dimerisation of isoprene under Lewis acid catalysis (e.g. boron trifluoride etherate) produces a mixture of C₁₀ dimers, from which 2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dien-1-ol (geraniol) can be obtained after selective isomerisation and functional group manipulation. However, the product selectivity of isoprene dimerisation is often poor, producing complex mixtures of regioisomers and stereoisomers that require extensive separation.
Selective Hydrogenation of Citral
Citral (3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal), an aldehyde mixture of geranial and neral, can be selectively reduced at the carbonyl group to give geraniol. This transformation requires chemo-selective catalysts that hydrogenate the C=O bond without reducing the two C=C double bonds. Heterogeneous catalysts based on palladium, platinum, or ruthenium supported on alumina or silica have been investigated, but achieving high selectivity for the allylic alcohol product remains challenging because over-reduction to citronellol or citronellal often occurs.
Rearrangement of Linalool
Linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), another widely available monoterpenol, can be isomerised to geraniol through acid-catalysed allylic rearrangement. This [1,3]-sigmatropic shift is typically mediated by orthovanadates, orthophosphates, or Lewis acids at 150–200 °C. The equilibrium mixture contains geraniol, nerol, linalool, and α-terpineol, so a single pass yields only moderate geraniol selectivity (30–45%). Recycling of unconverted linalool and nerol, combined with fractional distillation, can improve the effective yield.
Bulk Geraniol Suppliers
The bulk geraniol supply is characterized by a mix of large multinational chemical and fragrance companies alongside specialized regional suppliers. Top geraniol suppliers like BASF, IFF, Givaudan, Firmenich and Symrise compete through product innovation, sustainable sourcing, and vertical integration across the supply chain.
Sinofi is a bulk geraniol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality geraniol. We sell different grades of geraniol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agrochemical industries.
Supply Chain of Geraniol
The geraniol supply chain spans five interconnected stages, from the sourcing of raw materials to the delivery of finished products to consumers. Each stage involves distinct sets of participants, technologies, and logistical requirements.
Raw Material Sourcing
Natural Botanical Sources
Geraniol is a common constituent of several essential oils. It is found in particularly high concentrations in Monarda fistulosa (over 95%), palmarosa oil (approximately 53.5%), rose oil (around 44.4%), and citronella oil (roughly 24.8%). These botanical sources form the foundation of the natural geraniol supply chain, with cultivation concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions across South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, and parts of South America.
Petrochemical Feedstocks
Synthetic geraniol is primarily produced using myrcene, a terpene hydrocarbon derived from turpentine or petrochemical cracking, as the principal raw material. The synthetic route involves heating myrcene with sodium acetate to produce a mixture of geraniol isomers, followed by distillation and purification.
Extraction, Synthesis, and Processing
Natural Extraction Methods
The primary method for extracting geraniol from botanical sources is steam distillation, which has been the industry standard for decades. In this process, plant material is subjected to steam, which vaporises the volatile essential oil compounds. The vapour is then condensed and collected, yielding a crude essential oil from which geraniol is further isolated through fractional distillation. In recent years, a number of producers have begun trialling supercritical CO₂ extraction setups to reduce solvent residues and enhance purity.
Chemical Synthesis
To meet market demand at scale, the majority of commercially available geraniol is produced through chemical synthesis. The conventional process uses myrcene as the starting material, which undergoes a series of reactions to yield a mixture of geraniol and its cis-isomer, nerol. The product is then purified through distillation and separation steps. While this method provides a reliable, year-round supply and consistent product specifications, it relies on non-renewable hydrocarbon resources.
Distribution and Logistics
The distribution of geraniol involves a multi-layered network of manufacturers, speciality chemical distributors, trading houses, and direct-to-customer sales channels. Geraniol is typically shipped in food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade containers, depending on the end-use specification, and must be stored under controlled conditions to preserve its organoleptic and chemical integrity.
End-Use Applications
| Segment | Applications |
| Fragrance & Perfumery | Perfumes, soaps, household products, air fresheners |
| Food & Beverage | Flavouring agent in beverages, confectionery, baked goods |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Skincare, haircare, deodorants, lotions |
| Pharmaceuticals | Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective therapies |
| Aromatherapy & Wellness | Essential oil blends, diffusers, massage oils |
Wholesale and Buy Geraniol in Bulk
Purchasing geraniol at wholesale volumes is a multifaceted process that extends well beyond simply finding the lowest price per kilogram. Successful procurement requires a thorough understanding of geraniol grades and specifications, careful supplier evaluation and qualification, robust quality assurance practices, regulatory awareness, strategic contract negotiation, and sound logistics management. Pricing in the wholesale geraniol market is influenced by several variables. Raw material availability—particularly the supply of citronella oil and palmarosa oil—fluctuates with seasonal harvests and climate conditions.
Understanding Product Grades and Specifications
Not all geraniol is created equal, and one of the most critical decisions in the procurement process is selecting the appropriate grade for your application. Wholesale geraniol is generally available in several purity levels and classifications.
Natural Geraniol
Derived through steam distillation or fractional distillation of essential oils (primarily citronella, palmarosa, or rose oil), natural geraniol typically has a purity range of 85–98%. It is preferred in applications where a “natural” label claim is commercially important, such as in clean-beauty cosmetics, natural fragrances, and organic food flavourings.
Synthetic Geraniol
Produced through chemical synthesis—often from beta-pinene, linalool, or myrcene—synthetic geraniol offers high purity (typically 97–99.5%) and excellent batch consistency. It is widely used in industrial fragrance applications, household products, and as a chemical intermediate. Synthetic geraniol is generally more cost-effective per kilogram at high volumes, making it attractive for price-sensitive applications where the natural origin of the ingredient is not a purchasing criterion.
Pharmaceutical Grade
Pharmaceutical-grade geraniol meets stringent purity and documentation standards required for use in drug formulations and clinical research. This grade typically exceeds 99% purity and is accompanied by detailed documentation, including COAs, material safety data sheets (MSDS), stability data, and regulatory compliance certificates.
Key Considerations When Buying Geraniol in Bulk
Supplier Evaluation and Qualification
The quality and reliability of your geraniol supply chain begin with rigorous supplier evaluation. When assessing potential wholesale geraniol suppliers, geraniol buyers should consider several key factors: manufacturing capability and capacity, quality management system certifications, track record of on-time delivery, regulatory compliance history, and willingness to support technical collaboration.
Quality Assurance
Robust quality assurance protocols are indispensable when purchasing geraniol in bulk. At a minimum, each shipment should be accompanied by a COA that details purity (by gas chromatography), specific gravity, refractive index, colour, and odour profile.
As a bulk geraniol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agrochemical industries. We also supply geraniol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy geraniol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell geraniol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Geraniol Prices (USD/Kg)
Flavour Grade Geraniol Prices (GC Content >=98%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 9 USD | Express |
| 500g | 45 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 65 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >=25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Pricing varies dramatically by grade, source, and volume. Natural geraniol commands a consistent premium of approximately 2x over synthetic at laboratory and small-lot quantities (130-160 USD/Kg). The synthetic FCC grade geraniol price ranges from $60–80/Kg. Bulk geraniol pricing from China might be much lower, though quality verification remains a concern at the lowest price points.
Furthermore, the above price quotations of geraniol do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of geraniol. However, the bulk wholesale prices of geraniol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Geraniol Specification
| Appearance | Colourless, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Sweet, floral, fruity, rose, waxy citrus. |
| Purity (GC) | >=98% |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | <=1.0 |
| Density (20°C) | 0.870 – 0.885 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.469 – 1.478 |
Geraniol Uses
Geraniol is a remarkably versatile natural compound whose applications extend far beyond its traditional role as a fragrance ingredient. From food flavouring and insect repellency to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and biofuel development, geraniol occupies a unique position at the intersection of nature, industry, and science.
Perfumery and Personal Care
The fragrance industry represents geraniol’s oldest and most well-established application. Its warm, floral, rose-like aroma makes it a staple in fine perfumery, where it serves as both a standalone note and a blending agent. Geraniol is commonly found in floral, oriental, and chypre fragrance families, contributing depth and sweetness to compositions.
Beyond fine fragrance, geraniol is a widely used ingredient in personal care products, including soaps, shampoos, body lotions, deodorants, and household cleaning agents. Its pleasant scent profile, combined with its relatively low toxicity and good skin compatibility at appropriate concentrations, has made it a preferred choice for formulators across the consumer goods sector.
Food and Beverage Flavouring
Geraniol imparts a fruity, citrus, and rose-like flavour that is valued in a range of products, including baked goods, confectionery, soft drinks, fruit-flavoured products, and certain alcoholic beverages.
Rose and Floral Flavours
The most obvious application of geraniol is in rose-type flavour compositions. A convincing rose flavour base nearly always begins with a geraniol–citronellol backbone, typically at a ratio of 1:1 to 2:1, supplemented by smaller proportions of phenylethyl alcohol, nerol, and trace amounts of rose oxide, damascenone, and damascone. Geraniol provides the recognisable sweet-floral heart, while citronellol adds freshness and body.
Fruit Flavours
Geraniol plays a significant supporting role in many fruit flavour types. It occurs naturally in lychee, peach, raspberry, blackberry, passion fruit, and blueberry volatile profiles. At low dosages (1–5 ppm), it imparts a subtle floral lift and perceived ripeness that can transform a flat, one-dimensional fruit flavour into something more complete and naturalistic. In lychee and peach flavours, especially, geraniol is considered a character-impact contributor and is typically used at 5–15 ppm alongside cis-rose oxide and γ-decalactone.
Tea and Botanical Flavours
Geraniol is a key volatile component in black tea, where it is formed during the enzymatic oxidation of leaf tissue. In tea-type flavour formulations, it provides the characteristic floral top note that distinguishes high-quality teas. Dosages of 2–8 ppm work well in combination with linalool, methyl salicylate, and β-ionone to construct a realistic tea profile. Similarly, geraniol finds use in herbal and botanical blends, contributing floral nuances to chamomile, lavender, and elderflower concepts.
Citrus and Mint Modifiers
In citrus or mint flavours, geraniol serves a valuable modifying function when used at trace levels. In lemon and bergamot compositions, a small addition of geraniol (0.5–2 ppm) can round out sharp citral-heavy profiles and add perceived sweetness without introducing sugar. In mint-based chewing gum flavours, geraniol at 5–15 ppm softens menthol harshness and contributes a floral background that supports long-lasting flavour perception.
Insect Repellent Applications
One of geraniol’s most practically significant uses is as a natural insect repellent. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness against a wide range of pest species, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and certain agricultural pests. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified geraniol as a minimum-risk pesticide, reflecting its favourable safety profile for humans and the environment.
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research
In recent decades, geraniol has emerged as a compound of considerable interest in pharmaceutical research. A growing body of preclinical studies has identified a range of biological activities that suggest potential therapeutic applications, although it is important to note that most findings remain at the laboratory or animal-model stage.
Industrial and Chemical Applications
Geraniol serves as an important starting material and intermediate in the synthesis of a variety of commercially valuable chemicals. It is used in the production of citronellol, citral, linalool, and various esters, all of which have extensive applications in the fragrance, flavour, and pharmaceutical industries. The selective oxidation, hydrogenation, and esterification of geraniol are well-established chemical processes that underpin a significant segment of the fine chemicals market.
Geraniol Benefits
From antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory effects to promising anticancer properties, geraniol is attracting growing scientific attention as a bioactive molecule with significant therapeutic potential.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Benefits
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in a wide range of diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to neurodegenerative disorders. Geraniol has demonstrated meaningful activity on both fronts. As an antioxidant, geraniol helps neutralize free radicals — the unstable molecules that damage cells and accelerate aging. By scavenging these reactive species, geraniol may protect cellular structures from oxidative injury.
Anticancer Benefits
Perhaps the most actively studied benefit of geraniol is its anticancer activity. The mechanisms appear to be multifaceted. Geraniol has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and to upregulate the expression of proapoptotic proteins.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Benefits
Geraniol exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against a range of pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica. When delivered as an aerosol, geraniol has shown significant antibacterial effects on respiratory pathogens associated with influenza and pneumonia.
Neuroprotective Benefits
Emerging evidence points to geraniol’s potential in supporting neurological health. Animal studies have suggested that it may improve passive avoidance memory, a finding with implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Geraniol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Geraniol occupies a position common to many flavouring compounds in the vaping industry: broadly familiar, widely used, and insufficiently studied for its specific application in inhalable products. Its pleasant organoleptic properties and established safety record in food applications have facilitated its adoption in e-liquid formulations.
Role of Geraniol in E-Liquids
E-liquids typically comprise a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine (though not always), and an array of food-grade flavouring compounds. Geraniol is incorporated into e-liquids to produce floral, rose, peach, berry, and tropical fruit flavour profiles. It is rarely used as a standalone flavouring; instead, it is typically blended with other terpenes, esters, and aldehydes to achieve complex, multi-layered taste experiences.
Regulatory Landscape
In the United States, the regulation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids falls under the authority of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products, including all flavouring components, are appropriate for the protection of public health. The European Union regulates e-cigarettes and e-liquids primarily through the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The TPD requires that e-liquid ingredients be of high purity and prohibits certain additives, though it does not provide an exhaustive list of banned or permitted flavouring compounds.
A Flavouring with Chestnut Aroma for Tea Beverages
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Furanone 0.7 parts, Linalool 0.02 parts, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine 0.002 parts, Geraniol 0.06 parts, Beta-ionone 0.04 parts, Geranylacetone 0.02 parts, 2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine 0.0005 parts, Dihydrocoumarin 0.07 parts, Phenylacetaldehyde 0.08 parts, Furfural 0.01 parts, Benzyl alcohol 0.02 parts, Isophorone 0.02 parts, 2-Acetylthiazole 0.03 parts, and food-grade propylene glycol 0.9275 parts.
In conclusion, geraniol has become one of the most commercially significant ingredients across the fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agrochemical industries. As a bulk geraniol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of geraniol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.