(R)-(+)-Citronellal is a naturally occurring compound found in citronella oil and has a pleasant lemon-like scent. It is commonly used in the production of perfumes, cosmetics, and insect repellents. Its versatile properties make it a valuable ingredient in everyday products that enhance personal hygiene and well-being.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
(R)-(+)-Citronellal, a naturally occurring compound found in citronella oil, is widely utilized in the fragrance industry for its pleasant lemon-like scent. It is commonly used in perfumes, soaps, and household cleaning products due to its refreshing aroma.
In the industrial sector, (R)-(+)-Citronellal plays a crucial role as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals. It is used in the production of insect repellents, flavorings, and insecticides. Its unique properties make it a versatile ingredient in the manufacturing of a wide range of industrial products.
When it comes to drug and medication applications, (R)-(+)-Citronellal has shown potential as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. Studies have explored its therapeutic effects in the treatment of pain and inflammation-related conditions. Additionally, it has displayed antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical products.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
(R)-(+)-Citronellal is a colorless liquid with a strong lemon-like odor often used in perfumes and insect repellents. It is known for its fresh and citrusy aroma, making it a popular choice in various applications.
The molar mass of (R)-(+)-Citronellal is approximately 154.25 g/mol, with a density of around 0.842 g/mL. In comparison to common food items, such as sugar (molar mass of 342.3 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/mL) and salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.16 g/mL), citronellal is lighter and less dense.
(R)-(+)-Citronellal has a melting point of around -30°C and a boiling point of approximately 210°C. In contrast, common food items like butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point of 160°C) and chocolate (melting point of 34-38°C, boiling point of 129-131°C) have higher melting and boiling points than citronellal.
(R)-(+)-Citronellal is sparingly soluble in water and has a low viscosity. Compared to common food items like sugar (high solubility, high viscosity) and salt (high solubility, low viscosity), citronellal exhibits limited solubility and lower viscosity in water.
🏭 Production & Procurement
(R)-(+)-Citronellal is typically produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis process. The starting material for this synthesis is typically geraniol or citronellol, which undergo various chemical reactions to form the desired (R)-(+)-Citronellal.
Once (R)-(+)-Citronellal is produced, it can be procured from chemical suppliers or manufacturers. This compound is often available in both small and large quantities, depending on the needs of the purchaser. (R)-(+)-Citronellal can be transported in its pure form or as part of a mixture with other compounds.
When procuring and transporting (R)-(+)-Citronellal, it is important to follow all regulations and safety guidelines. This compound should be handled and stored according to its material safety data sheet to ensure the safety of those working with it. Proper labeling and documentation are essential when transporting (R)-(+)-Citronellal to ensure it reaches its destination safely.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for (R)-(+)-Citronellal include its flammable nature, which poses a fire hazard. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. When handling this chemical, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to prevent skin contact and inhalation of vapors.
Hazard statements for (R)-(+)-Citronellal include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These statements indicate that this chemical can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact. It is important to avoid direct skin and eye contact with (R)-(+)-Citronellal to prevent irritation and potential injury.
Precautionary statements for (R)-(+)-Citronellal include “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.” These statements emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate protective equipment when handling (R)-(+)-Citronellal and provide guidance on how to respond in case of eye contact to minimize the risk of injury.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction of (R)-(+)-Citronellal is its antimicrobial properties. Studies could explore its effectiveness against various pathogens and its potential use in the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Another research direction could focus on the insecticidal properties of (R)-(+)-Citronellal. This compound has shown promise as a natural insect repellent, and further research could investigate its efficacy against different insect species and potential applications in pest control.
Furthermore, research could be conducted on the potential pharmaceutical applications of (R)-(+)-Citronellal. Studies could investigate its therapeutic properties, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer effects, and explore its potential use in the development of new drugs for various medical conditions.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to (R)-(+)-Citronellal based upon molecular structure is (S)-(-)-Citronellal. This compound is the enantiomer of (R)-(+)-Citronellal, meaning it has the same molecular formula and connectivity, but differs in the spatial arrangement of atoms. This enantiomer possesses a similar citrus-like odor and is commonly used in perfumery and flavoring industries.
Another compound with a similar structure to (R)-(+)-Citronellal is Geraniol. Geraniol is a monoterpenoid alcohol that shares a similar carbon backbone with citronellal. Despite having different functional groups, these compounds exhibit comparable floral and citrus aromas. Geraniol is commonly found in essential oils of roses and geraniums and is utilized in various fragrances and flavorings.
Linalool is another compound that shares a similar structure to (R)-(+)-Citronellal. Linalool is a terpene alcohol that possesses a pleasant floral aroma reminiscent of lavender and lilies. Like citronellal, linalool is utilized in perfumery and flavoring industries due to its appealing scent. Both compounds are commonly found in essential oils and are used as fragrance ingredients in various products.
