Citronellyl formate

Citronellyl formate is an organic compound present in the essential oils of Geranium, Rose, Basil, Lovage root, Mandarin and Kumquat peel oil.

It is an ester of formic acid with the molecular formula C11H20O2. Citronellyl formate is also known as citronellyl methanoate, citronellyle formiate, formic acid citronellyl ester and so on.

Attributes of Citronellyl formate:

Citronellyl formate is a colorless liquid, which is clear in nature. It owns a floral, sweet, green, citrus aroma and fruity flavor. It is a combination of fruity flavors of apple, peach and berry.

Flavoring and fragrance ingredient:

It is used for its flavor and fragrance in perfumery. It is used as a flavoring agent. Citronellyl formate and citronellyl acetate present in the Kumquat peel oil contribute to the characteristic smell of the oil. This is witnessed in the study named, ‘Characteristic odor components of kumquat (Fortunella japonica Swingle) peel oil.’

Antifungal activity:

A study titled ‘Antifungal Activity of Rose-Scented Geranium (Pelargonium Species) Essential Oil and its Six Constituents’ was carried out to determine the antifungal activity of the essential oil obtained from Pelargonium species and its main constituents.

It was found that Citronellyl formate which is one of the constituent of the essential oil of rose-scented geranium species possess antifungal activity against candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes candidiasis and cryptococcosis in humans.

In the study ‘Antimicrobial Activity of Geranium Oil against Clinical Strains of Staphylococcus aureus’, it was stated that Citronellyl formate is one of the main constituents that is accountable for the biological activity of the Geranium oil.

Antitumor activity:

Citronellyl formate exhibit marginal antitumor activity, which is evident from the study, ‘Studies on the chemical components and anti-tumour action of the volatile oils from Pelargonium graveoleus.’

Reference Links:

  1. Citronellyl formate by the Good Scents Company
  2. Antifungal Activity of Rose-Scented Geranium (Pelargonium Species) Essential Oil and its Six Constituents
  3. Studies on the chemical components and anti-tumor action of the volatile oils from Pelargonium graveoleus
  4. Characteristic odor components of kumquat (Fortunella japonica Swingle) peel oil.
  5. Antimicrobial Activity of Geranium Oil against Clinical Strains of Staphylococcus aureus