C

Citral

IUPAC: (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal

C10H16O Organic Compounds CAS 5392-40-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC10H16O
CAS Number5392-40-5
Molecular Weight152.23
Melting PointMelting point <-10 °C.
Boiling Point444 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density0.891 to 0.897 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992)
Solubility0.1 to 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCitral appears as a clear yellow colored liquid with a lemon-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
Also Known As(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal; 5392-40-5; geranialdehyde; Lemsyn GB; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal; 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-; FEMA Number 2303; NCI-C56348; FEMA No. 2303; 3,7-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadienal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Citral?

Geranial is a monoterpenoid that is (2E,6E)-octa-2,6-dienal substituted by methyl groups at positions 3 and 7. It has a role as a volatile oil component and a plant metabolite. It is a polyprenal, a monoterpenoid and an enal.

Formula & Notation

C10H16O

IUPAC Name: (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal

Other Names / Synonyms: (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal; 5392-40-5; geranialdehyde; Lemsyn GB; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal; 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-; FEMA Number 2303; NCI-C56348; FEMA No. 2303; 3,7-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadienal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Citral appears as a clear yellow colored liquid with a lemon-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.. Molecular formula: C10H16O. Molecular weight: 152.23 g/mol. Boiling point: 444 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: Melting point <-10 °C.. Density: 0.891 to 0.897 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992). Solubility: 0.1 to 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 5 mmHg at 194 °F ; 1 mmHg at 143.1 °F; 760 mmHg at 442 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting PointMelting point <-10 °C.
Boiling Point444 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density0.891 to 0.897 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight152.23
Solubility0.1 to 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCitral appears as a clear yellow colored liquid with a lemon-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Citral
Formula C10H16O
CAS Number 5392-40-5
Molecular Weight 152.23
Synonyms (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal; 5392-40-5; geranialdehyde; Lemsyn GB; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal; 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-; FEMA Number 2303; NCI-C56348; FEMA No. 2303; 3,7-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadienal

Frequently Asked Questions

Geranial is a monoterpenoid that is (2E,6E)-octa-2,6-dienal substituted by methyl groups at positions 3 and 7. It has a role as a volatile oil component and a plant metabolite. It is a polyprenal, a monoterpenoid and an enal.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.