linalool
Definition
Noun: A colorless, fragrant liquid alcohol that is a naturally occurring terpene. It is found in the essential oils of many flowers and spice plants, contributing to their characteristic scents. Chemically, it is an unsaturated tertiary alcohol.
Examples of Usage
- The characteristic scent of lavender is largely due to the presence of linalool.
- Linalool is a key aromatic component in coriander and sweet basil.
- This fragrance is formulated with natural linalool extracted from rosewood.
Advanced Usage
- In organic chemistry, linalool is classified as an acyclic monoterpenoid.
- Linalool exists as two enantiomers: (R)-(–)-linalool (licareol) and (S)-(+)-linalool (coriandrol), which have slightly different olfactory profiles.
Variants and Related Words
- Linalyl acetate: An ester formed from linalool and acetic acid, also a common fragrant compound in essential oils.
- Terpene: The broader class of hydrocarbons of which linalool is a derivative.
Synonyms
- 3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol (Systematic IUPAC name)
- Licareol (specifically refers to the (R)-(–) enantiomer)
- Coriandrol (specifically refers to the (S)-(+) enantiomer)
Related Phrases and Contexts
- Essential oil constituent: A standard phrase describing linalool's primary natural role.
- Linalool is a major essential oil constituent in bergamot.
- Fragrance ingredient: Describes its use in perfumery and cosmetics.
- The safety of linalool as a fragrance ingredient has been extensively studied.
Noun
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a colorless fragrant liquid found in many essential oils
