FlavScents AInsights Entry: Citronellal (CAS: 106-23-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Citronellal is a monoterpenoid and a key component in the essential oils of citronella, lemon-scented gum, and other aromatic plants. Its IUPAC name is 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-al. The CAS number for citronellal is 106-23-0, and it is recognized by FEMA with the number 2307. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.015 and CoE number 140. The molecular formula of citronellal is C10H18O, with a molecular weight of 154.25 g/mol. The compound features an aldehyde functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic lemon-like odor. The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to its reactivity and its role in fragrance and flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Citronellal is known for its fresh, lemon-like odor with a slightly floral undertone. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity and is highly diffusive. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a crisp, citrusy character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, citronellal is typically used in formulations where a pronounced lemon scent is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Citronellal naturally occurs in the essential oils of several plants, including citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lemongrass. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, which is common for the formation of monoterpenoids. Citronellal's presence in natural sources makes it suitable for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, citronellal is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note, commonly found in beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the overall citrus profile of a product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. Citronellal is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Citronellal is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, contributing to citrus, floral, and fresh fragrance families. It is often used as a top note due to its high volatility and fresh scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products vary from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Citronellal's volatility makes it an excellent choice for creating bright, uplifting top notes in perfumes and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, citronellal is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, citronellal is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific guidelines varying by country. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, generally aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Citronellal is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for its use in fragrances to minimize such risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Citronellal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall brightness of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and instability in high-heat applications. Formulators should consider its volatility and potential for oxidation when designing products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on citronellal is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations exist in use levels and applications. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which require further research.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-13 09:42:04 GMT (p2)
