Hydroxycitronellal

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Hydroxycitronellal is an organic compound used in the formulation of perfumes and aromatic substances. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy aroma, reminiscent of lily of the valley. Hydroxycitronellal is synthesized from citronellal, an essential oil derived from plants, especially lemongrass.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Hydroxycitronellal, chemically known as 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal, has the molecular formula C10H20O2. It is a member of the aldehyde family, which are organic compounds containing a formyl group. This compound is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a strong, sweet, and floral scent.

Uses[edit | edit source]

The primary use of hydroxycitronellal is in the fragrance industry. It is used as a scent ingredient in a variety of products including soaps, detergents, lotions, and perfumes. Due to its strong, sweet, and floral scent, it is often used in formulations intended to mimic the smell of lily of the valley.

Safety and Regulations[edit | edit source]

In terms of safety, hydroxycitronellal is generally considered safe for use in fragrances by the International Fragrance Association. However, it is known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals and thus products containing it are required to list it as an ingredient. In the European Union, it is subject to restrictions on its use in cosmetic products.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Template:Perfume-stub

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD