Pronunciation: [sˈɪtɹə͡l] (IPA) 
Citral is a flavor and fragrance ingredient found in essential oils of the tropical fruits like lemon, lime, and orange. The spelling of the word "citral" is straightforward, and it follows phonetic transcription. The "c" in "citral" is pronounced as /s/, the "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/, and the "t" is pronounced as /t/. The second syllable of the word, "ral", is pronounced as /ɹæl/. So, the phonetic transcription of "citral" is /ˈsɪtɹəl/.
Citral is a naturally occurring organic compound, specifically a terpenoid aldehyde, that is found in essential oils derived from certain plants. Chemically, it is classified as a monoterpene and belongs to the class of aldehydes due to the presence of an aldehyde functional group (-CHO). Citral exists in two isomeric forms, namely geranial (also known as citral A) and neral (also known as citral B), which are structurally similar but differ in the position of the double bond within the carbon chain.
With its characteristic lemony aroma, citral is most commonly extracted from essential oils of citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. It is also found in various other plants, including lemongrass, verbena, and certain types of rose. Due to its pleasant smell, citral is often utilized as a fragrance component in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
In addition to its aromatic properties, citral has several other practical applications. It serves as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, providing a citrusy taste to certain products. Citral also possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable ingredient in cleaning products and disinfectants. Moreover, it has been studied for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Overall, citral is a versatile compound used widely across various industries, valued for its scent, flavor, antimicrobial properties, and potential health benefits.
An aldehyde from oil of lemon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word citral is derived from the name of the citrus fruit citrus, combined with the suffix -al. Citrus fruits are known for their strong, pleasant aroma, and citral refers to a compound found in many citrus fruits that contributes to their distinct scent and flavor. The suffix -al is a common suffix used to indicate a chemical compound. Thus, citral literally means relating to citrus.
