What Is Citronellol 700?
Citronellol 700 is a nature-derived aroma chemical made by IFF, though you will also find similar grades offered by other suppliers under generic names like citronellol or rhodinol. The “700” tag signals IFF’s own quality standard which focuses on high purity and a lower environmental footprint.
Production starts with renewable plant material. Natural oils rich in citronellal, often from lemongrass or citronella, are first distilled then gently hydrogenated. The result is a clear liquid that ranges from colorless to a soft straw yellow and stays perfectly transparent at room temperature.
Perfumers reach for Citronellol 700 every day. It is a true workhorse in rose accords, floral bouquets, fine fragrance bases, soaps and even home products. Because it is upcycled from surplus plant sources and readily biodegradable, many brands highlight it when they want a cleaner profile.
On the shelf the material is quite stable. Unopened drums stored in normal lab conditions can hold their quality for around two years, sometimes longer if kept cool and away from light. Once opened, most creators aim to finish a container within twelve months to keep the scent at its freshest.
Cost wise Citronellol 700 sits in the middle ground. It is not a luxury specialty molecule yet it is pricier than basic solvents or citrus terpenes. Its versatility and powerful odor strength often offset the spend because you can use small doses to get a big effect.
Citronellol 700’s Scent Description
This ingredient belongs to the floral family. Off a perfume blotter the first impression is a bright, fresh rose petal note touched with sweet lemon zest. Within seconds a soft green geranium nuance rises, giving the profile a lively leafy twist. As the scent opens further a gentle waxy warmth shows up, smoothing the edges and adding a hint of powder that feels clean and comforting.
Perfumers talk about fragrances unfolding in three stages called top, middle and base notes. Top notes flash off quickly, middle notes form the heart of the scent and base notes linger the longest. Citronellol 700 sits squarely in the middle zone. It steps in soon after the top sparkle fades then carries the floral theme for several hours before quieter woody or musky elements take over.
Projection is moderate. On skin the molecule radiates an arm’s length early on, then settles closer but remains noticeable. Thanks to its good substantivity the rosy tone can still be detected after 24 hours in a blotter test and over 8 hours on skin when used in a complete formula.
How & Where To Use Citronellol 700
Perfumers reach for Citronellol 700 whenever a natural rose or geranium nuance is required but budget, color or stability concerns rule out expensive extracts. It slides neatly into floral hearts, modern chypres, fruity florals and even certain woods accords where a hint of petal softens rough edges. On its own it smells pleasant yet slightly linear, so it is rarely used as a solo feature. Instead it acts as a building block, rounding sharper rose oxide notes, boosting faint floral absolutes or adding lift to heavy oriental bases.
The ingredient thrives in fine fragrance where its long substantivity brings continuity between top and base notes. It also performs well in soaps, shampoos, detergents and fabric conditioners because it survives the alkaline processing and clings to skin or fabric after rinsing. Candles can carry it up to moderate levels, though very high heat may mute its delicacy. Acidic cleaners and bleach are poor fits as the molecule degrades quickly under harsh pH conditions.
IFF lists a broad usage window up to 50 percent, yet most perfume concentrates need far less. Trace amounts add a whisper of rose, 0.5 to 2 percent forms the spine of a floral accord and anything above 5 percent risks pushing the blend toward a waxy geranium profile that can overshadow subtler materials. At higher dosages the citrus sparkle disappears first leaving a heavier oily character, so incremental additions with frequent smelling sessions are vital.
Because Citronellol 700 is slightly viscous it blends easily with most alcohols and common solvents. If a formula contains many dry powders or resins it helps to premix the citronellol with a small portion of the diluent to ensure even distribution. No special stabilizers are needed but antioxidants such as BHT can slow oxidation in long term storage products.
A final caution: its agreeable scent can tempt beginners to overuse it. Excess not only flattens a composition but may also edge formulas toward IFRA limits for skin contact products. Meticulous weighing and note keeping prevent such surprises later in the project.
Safely Using Citronellol 700
Citronellol 700 must be handled with the same respect given to any concentrated aroma chemical. Always prepare a diluted solution before evaluating its scent, ideally one part citronellol to nine parts solvent for a first impression. Leaning over an open bottle and inhaling is ill advised, instead waft the diluted blotter toward the nose. Work in a space with active ventilation or at least an open window so vapors do not build up.
Protective gloves keep the liquid from direct skin contact and safety glasses shield the eyes from accidental splashes. Although the material is classed as readily biodegradable and vegan friendly it can still irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies in predisposed individuals. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged exposure in the lab or workshop.
Brief encounters at low concentrations are unlikely to cause harm, yet repeated handling at high levels may lead to dermatitis or respiratory discomfort. If spills occur wash the area promptly with mild soap and warm water then dry thoroughly. Any clothing soaked with the raw material should be laundered before reuse.
When questions arise about limits or compatibilities consult the supplier’s latest safety data sheet and recheck it periodically as updates are common. Formulators must also refer to current IFRA standards to ensure their finished product stays within the recommended safety margins for its intended application.
How To Store & Dispose of Citronellol 700
Good storage starts with temperature control. A dedicated fragrance fridge around 4 °C slows oxidation and keeps the scent fresher for longer, yet a cool cupboard out of direct sun also works if space is limited. Whichever option you choose keep the bottle upright and away from heaters or windows that can raise the temperature and speed up degradation.
Light exposure dulls the rosy sparkle so use amber glass or metal containers when possible. Fit them with polycone lined caps for an airtight seal. Dropper bottles look handy but often leak vapor which invites air into the headspace and encourages oxidation.
Try to buy or decant into sizes you will finish within a few months. A full bottle leaves little room for oxygen, extending shelf life and reducing the need for antioxidants. If you must store a partially used bottle top it up with inert gas or transfer the remainder to a smaller vessel.
Label every container clearly with “Citronellol 700,” the date received, the CAS number and any hazard phrases from the safety data sheet. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and helps others handle the material responsibly.
Disposal is straightforward thanks to the ingredient’s ready biodegradability. Small rinse residues can usually go down the sink with plenty of warm soapy water, though you should always check local regulations first. Larger volumes or outdated stock belong in a sealed drum for collection by a licensed chemical waste service. Rinse empty bottles, let them air dry then recycle the glass or metal where facilities exist.
Summary
Citronellol 700 is a renewable, plant-derived aroma chemical that delivers a polished rose and geranium note with a hint of citrus and powder. Its middle-of-the-road cost, strong stability and over 48 hours of substantivity make it a mainstay in fine fragrance, soaps, detergents, conditioners and candles.
The material excels as a heart note, bridging bright tops to deeper bases while remaining gentle and versatile. Watch the dose because high levels can tip a blend toward waxy heaviness and may bump up against IFRA limits. Store it cool and tightly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation.
Commercial users can purchase Citronellol 700 directly from IFF in bulk drums or totes. Hobbyists and small brands will find smaller pack sizes from specialty fragrance suppliers and resellers who offer the same CAS number under various trade names. Whether you are formulating a classic rose bouquet or adding softness to woody-amber blends this dependable ingredient is likely already on the perfumer’s short list.