F

Farnesol

IUPAC: (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol

C15H26O Organic Compounds CAS 4602-84-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC15H26O
CAS Number4602-84-0
Molecular Weight222.37
Melting Point< 25 °C
Boiling Point230 to 235 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.8846 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilitySoluble in three volumes of 70% alcohol
AppearanceFarnesol is a colorless liquid with a delicate floral odor. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As(2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 4602-84-0; 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol; Farnesyl alcohol; FCI 119a; 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-; Trimethyl dodecatrienol; FEMA No. 2478; Nikkosome
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Farnesol?

Farnesol is a farnesane sesquiterpenoid that is dodeca-2,6,10-triene substituted by methyl groups at positions 3, 7 and 11 and a hydroxy group at position 1. It has a role as an antimicrobial agent, a plant metabolite and a fungal metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a polyprenol and a farnesane sesquiterpenoid.

Formula & Notation

C15H26O

IUPAC Name: (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 4602-84-0; 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol; Farnesyl alcohol; FCI 119a; 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-; Trimethyl dodecatrienol; FEMA No. 2478; Nikkosome

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Farnesol is a colorless liquid with a delicate floral odor. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C15H26O. Molecular weight: 222.37 g/mol. Boiling point: 230 to 235 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: < 25 °C. Density: 0.8846 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Soluble in three volumes of 70% alcohol. Vapor pressure: 0.0000394 [mmHg]. LogP: 4.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point< 25 °C
Boiling Point230 to 235 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.8846 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight222.37
SolubilitySoluble in three volumes of 70% alcohol
AppearanceFarnesol is a colorless liquid with a delicate floral odor. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Farnesol
Formula C15H26O
CAS Number 4602-84-0
Molecular Weight 222.37
Synonyms (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 4602-84-0; 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol; Farnesyl alcohol; FCI 119a; 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; 2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-; Trimethyl dodecatrienol; FEMA No. 2478; Nikkosome

Frequently Asked Questions

Farnesol is a farnesane sesquiterpenoid that is dodeca-2,6,10-triene substituted by methyl groups at positions 3, 7 and 11 and a hydroxy group at position 1. It has a role as an antimicrobial agent, a plant metabolite and a fungal metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a polyprenol and a farnesane sesquiterpenoid.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.