What is "linalyl acetate"

Linalyl acetate is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in many flowers and spice plants. It is one of the principal components of the essential oils of bergamot and lavender. Chemically, it is the acetate ester of linalool, and the two often occur in conjunction.

Synthetic linalyl acetate is sometimes used as an adulterant in essential oils to make them more marketable. For example, it may be added to lavandin oil which is then sold as more desirable lavender oil.

The chemical tastes similar to how it smells with a pleasant fruity odor reminiscent of bergamot mint oil. It is found in Mentha citrata and is mildly toxic to humans, toxic to fish, and extremely toxic to daphnia. Linalyl acetate is also combustible.