Citral[1] | |
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3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal |
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Other names
citral |
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Identifiers | |
CAS number | 5392-40-5 |
PubChem | 638011 |
ChemSpider | 553578 |
UNII | T7EU0O9VPP |
KEGG | C01499 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:16980 |
ChEMBL | CHEMBL1080997 |
RTECS number | RG5075000 |
Jmol-3D images | Image 1 Image 2 |
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Properties | |
Molecular formula | C10H16O |
Molar mass | 152.24 g/mol |
Appearance | Pale yellow liquid |
Odor | Lemon like |
Density | 0.893 g/cm³ |
Boiling point |
229 °C, 502 K, 444 °F |
Hazards | |
R-phrases | R36, R37, R38 |
NFPA 704 |
1
0
0
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Flash point | 91 °C |
Related compounds | |
Related alkenals | Citronellal |
(verify) (what is: / ?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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Infobox references |
Citral, or 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal or lemonal, is either of, or a mixture of, a pair of terpenoids with the molecular formula C10H16O. The two compounds are double bond isomers. The E-isomer is known as geranial or citral A. The Z-isomer is known as neral or citral B.
Contents |
Citral is present in the oils of several plants, including lemon myrtle (90-98%), Litsea citrata (90%), Litsea cubeba (70-85%), lemongrass (65-85%), lemon tea-tree (70-80%), Ocimum gratissimum (66.5%), Lindera citriodora (about 65%), Calypranthes parriculata (about 62%), petitgrain (36%), lemon verbena (30-35%), lemon ironbark (26%), lemon balm (11%), lime (6-9%), lemon (2-5%), and orange.[2][3][4]
Geranial has a strong lemon odor. Neral's lemon odor is less intense, but sweeter. Citral is therefore an aroma compound used in perfumery for its citrus effect. Citral is also used as a flavor and for fortifying lemon oil. It also has strong antimicrobial qualities,[5] and pheromonal effects in insects.[6][7]
Citral is used in the synthesis of vitamin A, ionone, and methylionone, and to mask the smell of smoke.
Citral should be avoided by people with perfume allergies.[8]