Citral

Synonyms

2,6-Dimethyloctadien-2,6-al-8; 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-; 3,7-Dimethyl-1,2,6-octadienal; 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal; Citral (natural); Lemsyn GB; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

Pale yellow liquid with a strong odor of lemon; [Merck Index] Colorless liquid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Component of many commercial oils including lemon grass, verbena, lemon, and orange; [Merck Index] Used as a flavoring agent and fragrance and an intermediate for the synthesis of other fragrances, vitamin A, ionone, and methylinone; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin irritant; May be absorbed through skin; Emergency treatment: "Lemon grass oil"; Citral, the main component, causes liver injury in high-dose animal experiments; Citral in concentrations >8% can cause irritation or allergic dermatitis; [HSDB] A blend of Neral and Geranial; [Kanerva, p. 1771] TLV based on high-dose animal studies showing body weight effects, upper respiratory tract irritation, and eye damage; A skin sensitizer based on patch testing in humans: about 1% of patients with hand dermatitis have positive patch tests to 2% citral; [ACGIH] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] Effects in high-dose animal studies include somnolence and changes in the liver and kidneys; [RTECS] A skin and mucous membrane irritant; May cause skin sensitization; [Aldrich MSDS]

Biomedical References

Yes

5 ppm, inhalable fraction and vapor

0.091 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

must be preheated

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic