# Citronellyl Formate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 105-85-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Citronellyl formate is a synthetic flavoring compound with the chemical formula C11H20O2, commonly used to impart fruity and floral notes in food and beverage products. It is not currently approved as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA but has not been associated with any reported adverse events or recalls.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Citronellyl Formate?

Citronellyl formate (CAS Number: 105-85-1) is an organic ester composed of citronellol and formic acid. It is a synthetic flavoring agent that produces fruity, floral, and slightly green aromatic characteristics. The compound is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a molecular weight of 184.27 g/mol. Citronellyl formate belongs to the broader category of formate esters, which are commonly used in the fragrance and flavoring industries.

## Common Uses

Citronellyl formate is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Its fruity and floral profile makes it suitable for applications in:

- Beverages (soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic drinks)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Savory applications where fruity notes enhance overall flavor complexity

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as flavoring agents are employed at parts-per-million (ppm) levels in most food formulations. Beyond food, citronellyl formate is also utilized in cosmetic and fragrance formulations.

## Safety Assessment

Citronellyl formate has not generated any reported adverse events in FDA databases and has been associated with zero recalls. The compound has not been formally designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or does not have an established history of safe use before 1958.

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that the compound has not been associated with documented safety incidents in the food supply. However, the lack of GRAS status indicates that formal toxicological evaluation and safety dossiers may not be publicly available through standard FDA channels.

Formate esters in general have been evaluated for safety in various regulatory contexts. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed certain formate esters used in flavorings. Safety assessments for compounds in this chemical class typically consider acute toxicity, subchronic and chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, citronellyl formate does not have GRAS status, which restricts its use as a flavoring agent in foods intended for the U.S. market without prior FDA approval or authorization through another regulatory pathway. Manufacturers wishing to use this compound in food products marketed in the United States would need to obtain FDA approval, typically through the food additive petition process.

In Europe, citronellyl formate may be regulated under the EU's flavoring regulations (Regulation EC 1334/2008), which establishes permitted flavoring substances. The regulatory status varies by jurisdiction; some countries may permit its use under their national flavor regulations while others may not.

The compound is used in fragrance and cosmetic applications in various jurisdictions where it meets applicable safety and quality standards.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed literature specifically addresses citronellyl formate toxicity or safety. Safety data for formate esters is generally derived from:

1. Acute toxicity studies establishing LD50 values in standard animal models
2. Industry safety assessments conducted for regulatory submissions
3. General toxicology data on related formate ester compounds

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and flavor industry organizations maintain safety databases on flavoring compounds, though detailed studies are often proprietary. Safety evaluations typically follow OECD testing guidelines for chemical assessment.

The lack of epidemiological evidence of harm, combined with zero FDA adverse event reports, suggests the compound has not demonstrated overt safety concerns at levels of use in commercial applications. However, independent third-party safety data published in peer-reviewed literature specifically evaluating this compound appears limited.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Citronellyl Formate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/citronellyl-formate. Accessed 2026-05-19.