Flavors & Fragrances
REACH
Citral
CAS Number
5392-40-5
EC Number
226-394-6
FEMA Number
FEMA 2303
What is Citral?
Citral (CAS 5392-40-5), also marketed under the trade name Lemsyn GB, is a naturally derived aldehyde used as a primary flavoring and fragrance ingredient.
Where is Citral used?
- Food and beverage: imparts or reinforces lemon, lime, and verbena profiles in beverages and confectionery
- Fragrance: fresh citrus top notes in fine perfumes, functional fragrances, and household products
- Personal care: scent for shampoos, body washes, and skin creams
- Industrial synthesis: precursor for ionones and vitamin A, and intermediate for citronellol, geraniol derivatives, and beta-ionone
- It carries FEMA 2303 status for use as a flavoring agent.
Good to know: Concentration limits apply under IFRA guidelines for topical applications. Natural and synthetic grades are both available.
Commercial specifications
- Typically 95% or higher for commercial fragrance and flavor use
- Natural citral commonly sourced from lemongrass or Litsea cubeba oils
Other Names (Synonyms)
Lemsyn GB|3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal|2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-|NCI-C56348|3,7-Dimethyl-trans-2,6-octadienal|3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-al
What are the physical properties of Citral?
Melting Point <-10 °C
Boiling Point 219 °C
Density 0.891-0.897 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C
Flash Point 215 °F
Appearance mobile light yellow liquid with a lemon-like smell
Color colorless to light yellow
Odor at 100.00 %. sweet lemon citral
Form Liquid
Water Solubility PRACTICALLY INSOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure 0.2 mm Hg ( 200 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.488(lit.)
Log P 2.76 at 25℃
How is Citral classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H227 Combustible liquid
H315 Causes skin irritation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Citral?
HS Code 29121900
Storage Class 10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany) 1