Citral, or 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal or lemonal, is either of a pair of terpenoids with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₆O. The two compounds are double bond isomers. The trans isomer is known as geranial or citral A. The cis isomer is known as neral or citral B.

Citral is the major constituent of the oil of lemongrass and the oils of other plants in the genus Cymbopogon. It is also present in the oils of verbena, lemon and orange.

Geranial has a strong lemon odor. Neral has a lemon odor that 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.

Citral is used in the synthesis of vitamin A, ionone, and methylionone.

See also

• citronellal
• geraniol
• nerol

References

• MSDS ^*

External links

Terpenes and terpenoids | Aldehydes | Flavors | Perfumery | Essential oils

Citral