This section provides an overview of nerolidol, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavour, fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Also, please check out the introduction to nerolidol manufacturers, supply chain issues, nerolidol suppliers, and nerolidol prices. Sinofi can help you buy nerolidol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2772 and CAS 7212-44-4.
Table of Contents
What is Nerolidol?
Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. It is a key aromatic compound prized for its subtle woody-floral aroma with green, citrus, and waxy nuances. For flavour formulation engineers, nerolidol occupies a uniquely versatile position: its delicate woody, floral, and slightly citrus profile allows it to function both as a primary character-impact ingredient and as a sophisticated blending agent in complex flavour systems. Nerolidol belongs to the sesquiterpene alcohol class of terpenes, characterised by a fifteen-carbon skeleton. It is an acyclic, unsaturated, tertiary alcohol bearing three isoprene units and three double bonds. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nerolidol is approved to be used in the flavour and fragrance industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Nerolidol has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, IFRA, and WHO. It benefits from a well-established safety profile and broad regulatory acceptance across major global markets.
- FEMA GRAS GRAS (No. 2772): Generally Recognised as Safe for use as a flavouring substance under the FEMA Expert Panel evaluation.
- JECFA Evaluated / Approved: Evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives; included in the list of flavouring agents with established safety data.
- EU Flavouring Regulation Listed (Reg. 1334/2008): Included in the EU Union List of flavouring substances approved for use in and on foods (FL No. 02.026).
- US FDA (21 CFR) GRAS: Recognised as GRAS for intended use as a flavouring agent in food under FDA regulations.
- IFRA: No restrictions
- Japan FEMA/JSFA Approved: Listed as a permitted flavouring substance under Japanese food safety regulations.
- REACH (EU) Registered: Registered under REACH for manufacture/import into the European Union.
- Codex Alimentarius Listed: Included in the Codex Alimentarius list of acceptable flavouring substances.
Formulators should note that nerolidol derived from natural sources (e.g., via isolation from essential oils or biotechnological fermentation) may qualify for “natural flavouring substance” designation under both Implementing Regulation (EU) No 872/2012 and US FDA 21 CFR 101.22, provided the production process meets the relevant criteria. This distinction carries significant commercial value in clean-label and natural product development.
Odor Threshold and Sensory Profile
In odour evaluation, nerolidol presents a warm, woody, and subtly floral top note with a fresh green-citrus facet. The heart reveals a deeper, bark-like woodiness with waxy, slightly rose-like undertones. The drydown is clean, tenacious, and softly balsamic. The overall impression is one of understated elegance: it lacks the aggressive punch of many terpenoids and instead works through gentle persistence and smooth integration with surrounding notes.
In taste evaluation, nerolidol contributes a mild, woody-floral character with subtle green, citrus-rind, and slightly waxy notes. At typical use levels in flavour systems (1–20 ppm in finished product), it imparts a natural botanical depth without dominating or masking co-ingredients. It is particularly effective at rounding harsh edges and lending a sense of completeness and authenticity to reconstructions of natural flavour profiles.
Natural Occurrence
Nerolidol is one of the more widely distributed sesquiterpene alcohols in nature, occurring in a diverse array of essential oils and botanical extracts. It exists as both geometric (cis/trans) isomers, a feature of significant consequence for flavour formulation engineers. The two principal geometric isomers are distinguished by the configuration of the double bond at the C-6 position.
Trans-Nerolidol
trans-Nerolidol is the more commonly encountered isomer in commerce and in many natural essential oils. It presents a clean, fresh, woody-floral character with green, slightly bark-like undertones. It is the predominant form found in essential oils of cabreuva, niaouli, and certain chemotypes of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Its widespread availability and well-documented organoleptic profile make it the default choice for most flavour formulation work.
Cis-Nerolidol
cis-Nerolidol possesses a somewhat softer, more waxy, and subtly sweeter character compared to the trans isomer. It is prominent in the essential oil of certain jasmine species and contributes to the rich, narcotic depth associated with jasmine absolute. While less commercially prevalent, it is valued in high-end formulations where its nuanced character can elevate a composition.
Commercial nerolidol is typically supplied as a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers, though trans-enriched grades are available from specialist suppliers. The isomeric ratio directly impacts the organoleptic profile of the final ingredient and, consequently, the behaviour of the finished flavour. Formulation engineers specifying nerolidol for critical applications should request Certificate of Analysis data that includes the cis/trans ratio and, where applicable, enantiomeric composition.
CAS No.: 7212-44-4
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of nerolidol is 7212-44-4.
CAS Name: Nerolidol
Molecular Formula: C15H26O
Molecular Mass: 222.37
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear oily liquid.
JECFA Number: 1646
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 114.00 °C. @ 1.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in most fixed oils and propylene glycol.
Other Names:
♦ 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-
♦ Nerolidol
♦ 3,7,11-Trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol
♦ FCI 119b
♦ (±)-Nerolidol
♦ Nerodilol
Nerolidol Odor
Odor Strength: Low.
Substantivity: 100 hours at 100.00 %.
Odor Description: At 100.00 %, floral green waxy citrus woody.
FEMA Number 2772
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of nerolidol is 2772.
Bulk Nerolidol Manufacturers
The bulk nerolidol manufacturing is characterised by a well-defined tiered structure, with a handful of global multinationals controlling the majority of production capacity. Top nerolidol manufacturers like BASF, Symrise, DSM-Firmenich, IFF, and Givaudan maintain a comprehensive portfolio of aroma chemicals, including synthetic and natural-grade nerolidol.
Sinofi is a bulk nerolidol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of nerolidol. We supply synthetic and natural-grade nerolidol at bulk prices and serve the flavour, fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Nerolidol
The manufacture of nerolidol is dominated by well-established chemical synthesis routes, with the Roche ethynylation/hydrogenation process and the Grignard addition route providing reliable, high-yield pathways to this commercially important sesquiterpenoid.
Chemical Synthesis Route
The dominant manufacturing process for nerolidol at an industrial scale is a multi-step chemical synthesis that begins with linalool as the primary feedstock. This route, closely associated with the Hoffmann-La Roche terpene synthesis platform, leverages well-established C₅ + C₅ → C₁₀ → C₁₅ chain-extension chemistry and has been the backbone of commercial production for over three decades.
Grignard Synthesis from Geranylacetone
An alternative one-step synthesis involves the direct 1,2-addition of vinylmagnesium bromide (vinyl Grignard reagent) to geranylacetone. This reaction is typically conducted in anhydrous diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The vinyl Grignard reagent attacks the ketone carbonyl nucleophilically, forming the tertiary allylic alcohol directly without the need for a separate hydrogenation step.
Natural Extraction
Nerolidol can be obtained by isolation from natural plant sources, most notably cabreuva oil (from Myrocarpus fastigiatus) and the oil of Dalbergia parviflora. Extraction typically involves steam distillation of the plant material followed by fractional distillation or solvent extraction to enrich the nerolidol fraction. However, this method is constrained by low yields, seasonal variability in raw material quality, high feedstock costs, and limited scalability.
Biosynthesis and Biotechnological Production Routes
The rising demand for sustainable and natural-label ingredients has driven significant research into biotechnological production of nerolidol. While chemical synthesis remains the dominant manufacturing route, several microbial biosynthesis platforms are under active development.
Bulk Nerolidol Suppliers
The bulk nerolidol supply is characterized by a mix of major manufacturers and speciality distributors. Top nerolidol suppliers like BASF, Symrise, DSM-Firmenich, IFF, and Givaudan produce nerolidol as part of broad aroma chemical portfolios and sell primarily to large fragrance houses and multinational consumer goods companies.
Sinofi is a bulk nerolidol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for synthetic and natural-grade nerolidol. We sell different grades of nerolidol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in the flavour, fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Supply Chain of Nerolidol
The nerolidol supply chain follows a multi-tier structure characteristic of specialty aroma chemicals. It spans from upstream raw material sourcing through manufacturing and processing, midstream warehousing and distribution, and finally to downstream formulation and end-use application.
Upstream: Raw Material Sourcing
The upstream tier encompasses the procurement of feedstocks required for nerolidol production. Three primary sourcing pathways exist, each with distinct supply chain characteristics.
Natural Extraction Feedstocks: Natural nerolidol is isolated from essential oils rich in the compound. Key botanical sources include neroli oil (from bitter orange blossoms, Citrus aurantium),
Synthetic Feedstocks: Common starting materials include linalool, farnesol, and dehydrolinalool.
Bio-Based Feedstocks: An emerging third pathway involves bio-based production through microbial fermentation and enzymatic biotransformation.
Manufacturing & Processing
The manufacturing tier transforms raw feedstocks into commercial-grade nerolidol. This stage is dominated by a relatively small number of large-scale chemical and F&F companies, alongside a growing set of specialized producers in Asia.
Distribution & Logistics
The midstream tier encompasses the warehousing, transportation, and distribution activities that connect manufacturers to end users. Distribution channels for nerolidol operate through three primary models. First, direct manufacturer-to-formulator sales, where large F&F houses purchase directly from producers under annual supply contracts with agreed pricing mechanisms, volume commitments, and quality specifications. Second, specialty chemical distributors like Univar Solutions act as intermediaries. Third, catalogue suppliers serve the artisanal perfumery, small-batch flavour, and R&D segments with sample and small-volume orders.
End-Use Applications
The fragrance industry represents the largest demand segment, where nerolidol is valued for its fixative properties and its ability to impart a natural, green-floral character to fine fragrance, personal care, and household product compositions. In the flavour sector, nerolidol is employed as a specialty ingredient in citrus, berry, tropical fruit, and floral flavour profiles. Pharmaceutical applications constitute a growing segment. The aromatherapy and wellness sector has expanded significantly, with nerolidol featuring in essential oil blends marketed for stress relief, sleep support, and general well-being. Cosmetics and personal care applications include use in skin care formulations, hair care products, and deodorant compositions.
Wholesale and Buy Nerolidol in Bulk
For nerolidol buyers, securing a reliable, cost-effective supply requires a structured approach that encompasses thorough supplier qualification, clear specification of grades and quality requirements, strategic sourcing and negotiation, and proactive supply chain management.
Key Considerations When Buying Nerolidol in Bulk
Supplier Evaluation and Qualification
A thorough supplier qualification process should assess manufacturing site certifications, quality management systems, batch traceability and recall procedures, capacity and lead time reliability, and financial stability.
Bulk Packaging and Order Quantities
Nerolidol is available in a range of packaging formats suited to different procurement volumes. Most bulk suppliers offer tiered pricing structures that decrease the per-kilogram cost as order volume increases. Nerolidol buyers should evaluate total landed cost—including freight, insurance, duties, and storage—rather than unit price alone when comparing quotations across packaging formats.
As a bulk nerolidol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the flavour, fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries. We also supply synthetic and natural-grade nerolidol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy nerolidol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell nerolidol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Nerolidol Prices (USD/Kg)
Fragrance Grade Nerolidol Prices (GC Content >=98%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 48 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 68 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >=30% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Nerolidol pricing spans nearly two orders of magnitude depending on grade, purity, origin, and volume. This tiered structure is the single most important feature for procurement professionals to understand. Bulk synthetic nerolidol (≥98% purity) trades at approximately $40–60/kg FOB China, with smaller bulk orders (1-25 kg) priced at $60–90/kg. Fragrance-industry retail channels confirm high-range pricing. Natural nerolidol consistently commands a 3× premium over synthetic, and this gap is widening in Europe as regulatory and consumer pressure toward natural ingredients intensifies. Germany and France are the largest European importers of high-purity grades.
Furthermore, the above price quotations of nerolidol do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of nerolidol. However, the bulk wholesale prices of nerolidol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Nerolidol Specification
| Nerolidol | Type I | Type II |
| Purity (Trans + Cis, GC) | >=98% | — |
| Purity (Trans, GC) | — | >=90% |
| Density (20°C) | 0.870 – 0.876 | 0.870 – 0.880 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.478 – 1.482 | 1.478 – 1.483 |
Nerolidol Uses
Perfumery and Fragrance Applications
Nerolidol occupies a distinguished position in the perfumer’s palette as a versatile base-note and fixative ingredient. Its delicate floral character—reminiscent of rose, apple, and lily of the valley—combined with woody, waxy, and faintly citrus facets makes it uniquely suited to a wide range of fragrance compositions.
Roles in Fragrance Formulation
Fixative and Base Note
Nerolidol’s primary value in perfumery lies in its exceptional fixative properties. The tertiary alcohol structure and sesquiterpene framework contribute to remarkable longevity on skin and fabric substrates. Perfumers employ nerolidol to stabilise volatile top-note accords, impart lasting depth to floral heart notes, and provide a smooth, tenacious dry-down in the base of a composition. Its boiling point of approximately 276°C at atmospheric pressure further underscores its low volatility and persistence.
Blending Agent
Beyond its fixative function, nerolidol is valued as a blending agent capable of harmonising disparate olfactive elements within a composition. Classical perfumery references describe it as an extremely useful chemical whose delicate and versatile character enables seamless integration of floral, green, and woody notes. Nerolidol rounds harsh edges, bridges contrasting accords, and adds natural depth without dominating the overall fragrance profile.
Flavour and Food Industry Applications
In flavour applications, nerolidol contributes subtle floral, green, and slightly sweet notes with woody and waxy undertones. Its flavour character is delicate and diffusive rather than assertive, making it well suited for applications where a gentle floral-botanical lift is desired without overpowering other flavour components. The compound’s low odour threshold allows effective use at very small concentrations.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Applications
Nerolidol serves a dual function in cosmetics and personal care products: it contributes as a fragrance component while simultaneously offering functional benefits as a bioactive ingredient. The compound’s favourable toxicological profile—including the absence of skin irritation at standard use concentrations and no evidence of sensitization in human maximization tests—supports its wide adoption across the personal care sector. Nerolidol is incorporated into a diverse range of cosmetic and personal care formulations, including decorative cosmetics, fine fragrances and body sprays, shampoos and hair conditioners, body washes and shower gels, toilet soaps (bar and liquid), lotions and body creams, facial serums and moisturisers, deodorants and antiperspirants, and lip care products. In each of these categories, nerolidol performs as a fragrance ingredient that simultaneously brings potential skin-conditioning benefits to the formulation.
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications
Nerolidol has attracted growing interest within the pharmaceutical sciences owing to its diverse pharmacological profile. While most evidence to date derives from preclinical (in vitro and animal model) studies, the breadth and consistency of findings across multiple research groups have established nerolidol as a compound of significant pharmaceutical potential.
Aromatherapy and Wellness Applications
Nerolidol’s calming floral aroma and its presence in numerous essential oils used in traditional and contemporary wellness practices have established it as a valued component in the aromatherapy sector. The compound’s woody-floral scent profile is described as grounding, calming, and conducive to relaxation. In aromatherapy practice, essential oils rich in nerolidol—such as neroli, lavender, and ylang-ylang—are commonly used in diffusion, massage, and bathing applications intended to promote emotional balance and reduce the perception of stress.
E-Liquid and Terpene Formulation Applications
Nerolidol has found application in the formulation of terpene blends used in e-liquid, vaporiser, and botanical extract products. As a naturally occurring sesquiterpene present in numerous cannabis cultivars, it contributes to the aroma and flavour profiles of strain-specific terpene formulations.
Nerolidol Benefits
The benefits of nerolidol extend well beyond its role as a pleasant-smelling aroma chemical. It is intended as a practical reference for flavour and fragrance professionals, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulators, product development teams, and procurement specialists.
Antioxidant Benefits
Oxidative stress—the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant defence capacity—is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide range of chronic diseases, ageing processes, and tissue damage. Nerolidol has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties, with consistent and robust findings across multiple experimental models.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Chronic inflammation is a driving factor in a wide range of pathological conditions, from arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease to cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Nerolidol has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects through multiple complementary mechanisms.
Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Benefits
In an era of rising antimicrobial resistance, natural compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity are of increasing value. Nerolidol offers documented benefits against bacteria, fungi, and parasites through multiple mechanisms of action.
Neuroprotective Benefits
Nerolidol’s combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties converge to provide meaningful neuroprotective effects, which have been documented across multiple experimental models of neurological damage and neurodegenerative disease.
Skin Penetration Enhancement Benefits
One of nerolidol’s most commercially significant benefits is its exceptional ability to enhance the percutaneous absorption of other compounds across the skin barrier. This property has been extensively studied and validated across a wide range of therapeutic drugs and formulation contexts.
Nerolidol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Role of Nerolidol in E-Liquids
The primary reason nerolidol appears in e-liquid formulations is its contribution to flavour complexity. E-liquid manufacturers seeking to replicate botanical, herbal, or floral flavour profiles frequently incorporate nerolidol as part of a broader terpene blend. It is particularly prevalent in cannabis-inspired e-liquids and botanical vape products, where it helps recreate the characteristic scent profiles of specific plant strains. Rather than serving as a dominant top note, nerolidol typically functions as a mid-to-base note in flavour architecture. It rounds out sharper terpene components such as limonene or pinene, lending a smoother and more layered sensory experience to the final product.
Terpene Blending
The broader trend of terpene-infused e-liquids has created a natural market for nerolidol. Terpene blends designed to mimic the profiles of specific botanical varieties rely on precise combinations of dozens of individual compounds, and nerolidol is a frequent inclusion. It pairs well with linalool, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, among others, and its mild character makes it a versatile blending component that rarely overwhelms a formulation.
Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory environment for e-liquid ingredients, including terpene additives such as nerolidol, varies considerably across jurisdictions. In the United States, the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products oversees e-cigarettes and vaping products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, though the regulatory framework for individual flavouring ingredients continues to evolve. The European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) imposes ingredient notification requirements and restricts certain additives, but does not maintain a comprehensive positive list of approved flavouring compounds for e-liquids.
A Cranberry Flavouring Using Nerolidol
Include the following ingredients (%, by weight):
Styralyl acetate, 0.06; Linalyl acetate, 0.06; Ethyl cinnamate, 0.4; Isoamyl butyrate, 0.6; Ethyl acetoacetate, 1; Ethyl acetate, 0.6; Ethyl butyrate, 0.5; Ethyl hexanoate, 0.5; Vanillin, 0.3; Nerolidol, 0.03; Benzyl alcohol, 0.3; Rhodinol, 0.05; Alpha Terpineol, 0.08; Cis-3-hexenol, 0.3; Isoamyl alcohol, 0.3; Phenylene alcohol, 0.4; Trans-2-hexenal,, 0.03; Benzaldehyde, 0.4; Cinnamaldehyde, 0.3; Damascenone, 0.8; 8-Mercaptomenthone, 0.02; Gamma Undecalactone, 0.03; Gamma Decalactone, 0.5; Strawberry acid, 0.08; Acetic acid, 0.3; 2-Methylbutyric acid, 0.3; 2-Methyl-4-pentenoic acid, 0.7; Propylene glycol, 91.63.
In conclusion, nerolidol has become one of the most commercially significant ingredients across the flavour, fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries. As a bulk nerolidol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of nerolidol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.