Citronellal

Essence and Fragrance

Citronellal is the main component of citronella oil, which exists naturally in essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella oil, and the content is 75% ~ 80% and 30% ~ 40%, respectively. This product is insoluble in water and glycerin, soluble in ethanol and oil, slightly soluble in propylene glycol. Strong, fresh, green citrus-like aromas with a hint of wood. Unstable when exposed to air, sunlight and alkali. Citronellal can form binary azeotrope with nitrobenzene, m-cresol, ethylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, acetophenone, etc.  Grignard reaction can also occur.

Chemical Property of Citronellal

Colorless to yellowish liquid with lemon, citronella and rose aromas. It exists as d-, l- and dl- optical agents. D-citronellal exists in a large number of essential oils, and is the main component of citronellal oil and leaf oil. Its boiling point is 203 ~ 204℃, relative density (d420)0.8510, optical rotation [α]D18+10°18 ‘, refractive index (D20)1.4467. Lemongrass oil contains L-citronellal, boiling point 206℃, relative density (d2525)0.8567, refractive index (nD20)1.4491, rotation [α]D-3°. Menthol is readily cyclized in an acidic medium.

Use

Baisfu Citronellal is rarely use in high-grade fragrances, but inexpensive soap fragrances are commonly use. It is mainly use in the manufacture of vanillyl alcohol and hydroxycitronella vinegar. It is also use as a raw material for dihydrocorydalone, and is synthesized from isohumenthol. Hydroxycitronellal is one of the most valuable spices.
Use for the preparation of essence, with a strong lemon, citronella rose like aroma
Use as fixing agent, coordinating agent and modulator, widely use in cosmetic flavor; It is also a flavor enhancer for beverages and foods. It can extracte from citronella oil or prepared by acetylation and oxidation of isoeugenol.