Citronellal or rhodinal (Carbon, C₁₀Hydrogen, H₁₈Oxygen, O) is a monoterpenoid aldehyde, the main component in the mixture of terpenoid chemical compounds that give citronella oil its distinctive lemon scent. Citronellal is a main chemical isolate, isolate in distilled oils from the plants ''Cymbopogon'' (excepting C. citratus, culinary lemongrass), Corymbia citriodora, lemon-scented gum, and Leptospermum petersonii, lemon-scented teatree. The (''S'')-(−)-enantiomer of citronellal makes up to 80% of the oil from kaffir lime leaves and is the compound responsible for its characteristic aroma. Citronellal has insect repellent properties, and research shows high repellent effectiveness against mosquitoes. Another research shows that citronellal has strong antifungal qualities.

Compendial status

* British Pharmacopoeia

References

{{reflist Flavors Alkenals Monoterpenes

Compendial status

See also

References