Linalool is a fragrance ingredient that is commonly found in plants and cosmetic products. It is part of 200 natural oils including lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, jasmine, and geranium, and can be found in 90-95% of prestige perfumes on the market. Linalool can be converted to terpineol, geraniol, and citral, and used in the preparation of citronellol, the ionones, vitamin A, farnesol, and sesquiterpenes. It is available in several grades (purity) including 925 (94-96%), Special (96-97.5%), Coeur (97.5-99%), Extra (99%), Pure, FCC (99.5%), and Supra, FCC (99.7%) .
Positive aspects of linalool:
- It is a common fragrance ingredient found in many natural oils and cosmetic products.
- It can be used in the preparation of various compounds.
Negative aspects of linalool:
- Linalool oxidizes on air exposure and becomes allergenic, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- A study in the UK found that 2.3% of people tested had positive test results for allergic reaction to 3% oxidized linalool.
- Linalool can be toxic to aquatic life.
- During storage, linalool undergoes autoxidation, building up products including hydroperoxides such as 7-hydroperoxy-3,7-dimethyl-octal-1,5-diene-3-ol, which has been identified as the apparent cause of allergic reactions on exposed skin.
Ingredients or materials associated with linalool:
- Linalool is a terpene.
- It is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, diethyl phthalate, benzyl benzoate, most aliphatic and aromatic esters, mineral oil, and chlorinated solvents.
- Linalool is a liquid with a vapor pressure of approximately 0.2 hPa (at 23.5 degrees C), a water solubility of 1589 mg/l (at 25 degrees C), and a LogKow of 2.97 (at 23.5 degrees C) .
