Chemical Name: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal
Common Name: Citral
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆O
Molecular Weight: 152.24 g/mol
CAS Number: 5392-40-5
Appearance: Pale yellow to yellow liquid
Odor: Strong lemon-like, fresh, sharp, citrusy
Boiling Point: ~229°C (444°F)
Flash Point: ~92°C (198°F)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils
Functional Group: Aliphatic aldehyde (unsaturated)
Perfumery Profile
Scent Profile:
- Bright and citrusy, reminiscent of fresh lemons
- Sharp, zesty, with slight herbal and green undertones
- Clean, fresh, and natural-smelling
Use in Perfumery:
- Adds sparkling citrus top notes to colognes, summer fragrances, and fresh compositions
- Commonly used in creating lemon, verbena, and lemongrass accords
- Provides freshness and brightness, often as part of the top note structure
Fragrance Families:
- Citrus
- Green
- Herbal
- Aldehydic (natural)
Natural Source:
- Found in high concentrations in lemongrass oil, lemon myrtle, litsea cubeba, and orange peel oil
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Exists as a mixture of two geometric isomers:
- Geranial (Citral A): more citrusy and intense
- Neral (Citral B): softer and sweeter
Notable Uses:
- Widely used in eaux de cologne, citrus-based perfumes, soaps, and cleaning products for a fresh lemon note
- Also serves as a starting material in synthesis of ionones and vitamin A