Linalyl acetate

Say itlih-NAL-il AS-ih-tayt

Sweet, fresh bergamot-pear with soft lavender and floral-herbal notes.

What it is: A molecule made in a lab.
Where it comes from: synthesized, major constituent of bergamot and lavender
When you smell it: Top notes: the first minutes.
What perfumers do with it: Recreates and extends bergamot and lavender; smooth, fruity freshness in colognes and fougères.
Worth knowing: Lavender oil was traditionally graded, and priced, largely by its percentage of this ester.
Also called: 3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate

On the label of 82 of the 232 perfumes read so far