Citral



Citral
IUPAC name 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal
Other names citral
geranial
neral
geranialdehyde
Identifiers
CAS number 5392-40-5
RTECS number RG5075000
SMILES O=CC=C(C)CCC=C(C)C
Properties
Molecular formula C10H16O
Molar mass 152.24 g/mol
Appearance Pale yellow liquid
Odor Lemon like
Density 0.893 g/cm³, liquid
Boiling point

229 °C

Hazards
NFPA 704
1
0
0
 
R-phrases R36, R37, R38
Flash point 91 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Citral, or 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal or lemonal, is either of a pair of isomers. The E-isomer is known as geranial or citral A. The Z-isomer is known as neral or citral B.

Geranial has a strong lemon odor. Neral has a lemon odor that is less intense, but sweeter. Citral is therefore an anti-microbial qualities[1], and pheromonal effects in insects.[2][3]

Citral is used in the synthesis of ionone, and methylionone, and to mask the smell of smoke.

Citral is present in the oils of several plants, including lemon myrtle (90-95%), Litsea cubeba (70-85%), lemon balm, lemon and orange.[4]


Health & Safety information

Citral should be avoided by people with perfume allergy[5].

See also

References

  1. ^ Onawunmi, G.O. (1989) Evaluation of the antimicrobial acyivity of citral. Lett. Appl. Microbial. 9, 105-108.
  2. ^ Kuwahara, Y., Suzuki, H., Matsumoto, K. & Wada, Y. (1983) Pheromone study on acarid mites. XI. Function of mite body as geometrical isomerization and reduction of citral (the alarm pheromone) Carpoglyphus lactis. Appl. Entomol. Zool. 18, 30-39.
  3. ^ Robacker, D.C. & Hendry, L.B. (1977) Neral and geranial: components of the sex pheromone of the parasitic wasp, Itoplectis conquisitor, J. Chem. Ecol. 3, 563-577.
  4. ^ Lawless, J., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, ISBN 1-85230-661-0
  5. ^ Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in massage oils
  • MSDS [1]
 
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