Citronellal

C₁₀H₁₈O

IUPAC: (R)-3,7-Dimethyloct-6-enal

CAS: 106-23-0

Overview

Citronellal is the primary component of citronella oil and gives it its characteristic lemony scent. It is the basis for citronella candles and insect repellents.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 18 1.0080
Carbon C 10 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×18
11.8%
C
Carbon ×10
77.9%
O
Oxygen ×1
10.4%

Uses

  • • Insect repellent
  • • Fragrance
  • • Menthol synthesis

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Citronella candles reduce mosquito bites by about 42% compared to unscented candles

Safety

  • ⚠ Skin sensitizer

Structure

SMILES

CC(CCC=C(C)C)CC=O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
154.25 g/mol
Density
0.8550 g/cm³
Boiling Point
207.0 °C
Solubility
slightly soluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
154.1358
XLogP
3.0
TPSA
17.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
5
Heavy Atoms
11
Complexity
132.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citronellal?
Citronellal (C₁₀H₁₈O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name (R)-3,7-Dimethyloct-6-enal.
What is the molecular weight of Citronellal?
Citronellal has a molar mass of 154.25 g/mol.
What state is Citronellal at room temperature?
Citronellal is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Citronellal organic or inorganic?
Citronellal is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Citronellal?
Citronellal (C₁₀H₁₈O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).