Nerol Extra (FG & Technical Grades): The Bright Floral–Citrus Bridge for Flavors & Fragrances
- Galbora
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 22

Nerol Extra (FG & Technical Grades): The Bright Floral Citrus Bridge for Flavors & Fragrances
Executive Summary
Nerol Extra is a classic aroma and flavor ingredient prized for its delicate rosy–floral character blended with light citrus freshness and subtle green notes. It functions as both a top-to-heart transition in fragrances and a flavor enhancer in citrus and floral-forward profiles. This whitepaper provides a comprehensive technical overview of Nerol Extra across applications, isomeric form, stability, regulatory context, and formulator guidance—without referencing any specific brand.
What Is Nerol? (Chemistry & Isomers)
Nerol (cis‑3,7‑dimethyl‑2,6‑octadien‑1‑ol) is a monoterpenoid alcohol and geometric isomer of geraniol. While both isomers share a sweet, floral odor profile, Nerol has a fresher, greener, and slightly more delicate character. It naturally occurs in essential oils such as neroli, citronella, and rose, and is commonly synthesized for consistency and cost-efficiency.
Key Identifiers & Compliance Snapshot
Parameter | Nerol Extra |
CAS Number | 106-25-2 |
FEMA Number | 2770 |
EC / EINECS | 203-378-7 |
INCI / Flavor Use | Parfum; Flavouring Agent |
Grade Availability | Technical & Food Grade (FCC) |
Note: Always confirm grade and purity via supplier COA, and verify against current REACH, IFRA, and regional flavor regulations.
Sensory Profile & Odor Threshold
Signature: fresh rose, citrus zest, light green, soft floral.Nerol has a low to moderate odor threshold, allowing it to impart freshness and brightness even at low concentrations. Its scent is diffusive and short-to-medium in longevity, making it ideal as a transition note or top-to-heart bridge in compositions.
Physico‑Chemical Properties (Formulator Notes)
Appearance: colorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point: ~227 °C
Density: ~0.87–0.89 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Refractive Index: ~1.47
Solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols, glycols, esters, and perfumery carriers
Stability: sensitive to oxidation and light; store under inert gas where possible
Grades, Quality & Documentation
Nerol Extra is commercially available in Technical and Food Grade (FCC-compliant) forms. For flavor applications, only FG/FCC-certified material should be used. Common documentation includes:
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
IFRA Certificate (for fragrance use)
Flavor/Food Compliance Statement
Allergen Declaration (EU)
GMO / Non-GMO, Vegan, Halal, Kosher status (where relevant)
Applications & Typical Use Levels
Flavors
Used in citrus, tropical, floral, and berry-type flavorings. It provides a fresh, natural lift to orange, lemon, and exotic fruit profiles and supports subtle rosy or floral backgrounds.
Beverages, candy, baked goods, syrups
Typical use levels: 1–5 ppm (finished product); validate per local food laws.
Fragrances & Consumer Products
Common in fine fragrance, personal care, fabric care, and air care. Used to lift floral hearts, enhance top notes, or add natural freshness in rose and neroli-type accords.
Typical usage: trace to 2% depending on role (e.g., floral booster, citrus top note, freshener)
Sectors: soaps, shampoos, lotions, candles, laundry fragrances
Formulation Strategy & Pairings
Pair with:– Rose, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine– Linalool, citronellol, geraniol– Citrus oils (lemon, mandarin, orange)– Green, leafy notes and light musks
Role in Accord:– Lifts and bridges top to mid floral notes– Adds softness to citrus– Naturalizes synthetic citrus/fruity blends– Freshens floral bouquets and provides “dewy” effects
Formulation Tips:– Begin at low ppm or <1%– Rebalance with green or woody notes if overly sweet– Monitor oxidation potential in emulsions or high-pH systems

Stability, Storage & Packaging
Store in sealed, light-resistant containers (preferably aluminum or lacquered glass)
Environment: cool, dry, away from direct light and heat
Recommended: nitrogen blanket for long-term stability
Shelf Life: 12–24 months depending on storage
Packaging: aluminum bottles, HDPE or UN drums, check compatibility for citrus monoterpenes
Regulatory & Safety Overview
Flavor Use: FEMA GRAS; confirm local regulations (e.g., EU 1334/2008, FDA CFR 172.515)
Fragrance Use: Generally unrestricted under IFRA but usage levels may need adjustment per product category
Allergen Status: Nerol is not one of the 26 declarable EU fragrance allergens when under labeling threshold; check cumulative use
Toxicity: Generally low; dermal irritation possible at high concentrations
Safety Considerations:– Avoid inhalation of concentrated vapors– Use gloves during handling– Refer to latest SDS for risk assessment
Analytical & QC (GC-MS, Assay)
Identity: Confirmed via GC-MS (retention index & mass spectrum match)
Assay: Typically ≥97% GC area purity
Monitor:– Isomer content (Geraniol contamination)– Oxidation byproducts (e.g., hydroperoxides)– Residual solvents if applicable
For FG use: ensure compliance with purity/potency specs and food safety standards
Purchasing Checklist & FAQs
Checklist
☑ Grade (FG or Technical) confirmed on COA☑ CAS/FEMA numbers match internal specs☑ COA, SDS, and latest regulatory declarations received☑ Allergen & IFRA statements on file (for fragrance)☑ Shelf life and packaging meet application needs☑ Sample tested in final formula/matrix
FAQs
Q: Can Nerol Extra be used in both fragrances and flavors?A: Yes. Ensure FCC/Food Grade is used for edible applications, and confirm compliance with local food regulations.
Q: What if Nerol becomes too floral or sweet in the formula?A: Lower the dosage and rebalance with green, woody, or citrusy notes to add contrast and freshness.
Q: Is Nerol the same as Geraniol?A: No—though structurally similar, they differ in geometry (cis vs trans) and olfactory profile. Nerol is greener, fresher, and more delicate.
Q: Does it oxidize easily?A: Like many terpene alcohols, yes—store under inert gas and minimize air/light exposure.
Sample & Quotation
Interested in evaluating Nerol Extra in your next flavor or fragrance formula? Contact us for technical and food-grade availability, samples, documentation (COA, SDS, TDS), and formulation support. Please specify your intended application, target dosage, and regulatory requirements to accelerate processing.
This article was researched and written by Galbora
The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.
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