Nerolidol

Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol with the molecular formula C15H26O. It exists as two geometric isomers, cis-nerolidol and trans-nerolidol, and is a common constituent of many essential oils.

It occurs in the essential oils of a variety of plants, including ginger, jasmine, neroli, lemongrass, and tea tree. In plants, nerolidol is produced from farnesyl diphosphate by nerolidol synthase and related enzymes, serving as an aroma compound and potentially as part of plant defense.

Nerolidol is typically a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It has a sweet, floral, and somewhat citrusy odor with woody notes, and is widely used in perfumery and flavorings as a fragrance ingredient and fixative. It also appears in cosmetic formulations as a fragrance component.

In biological studies, nerolidol shows antimicrobial and antifungal activity against certain pathogens and can exhibit insecticidal and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. It may contribute to the overall bioactivity of essential oils that contain it and is of interest in fragrance chemistry and natural product research.

Safety considerations note that nerolidol, like other terpenes found in essential oils, can be a skin sensitizer for some individuals. Proper handling and formulation practices are advised in industrial and consumer applications.