Citral propyleneglycol acetal belongs to a class of acetals produced from citral and propylene glycol. Its unique structure forms through the reaction of citral, a natural terpene aldehyde found in lemon and citrus oils, with propylene glycol, a colorless, odorless, water-miscible liquid commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The resulting compound provides a stable and pleasant-smelling material, resisting quick breakdown in the presence of acids or bases. Industries recognize it for its stability and characteristic aroma, often tying its value to the food flavors, perfumery, and fragrance sectors, as well as applications that benefit from robust scent masking. Based on my time working in materials specification, this compound comes up often for its versatile scent and relative safety compared to more reactive aldehydes.
Citral propyleneglycol acetal typically appears either as a clear liquid or off-white solid flakes, depending on temperature and storage. Solid pearls or powders sometimes show up in the market, particularly for use in compression or blending processes where dust control matters. The density does not fluctuate wildly; most liquid versions place close to 1.02 g/cm³ at standard temperature. The crystalline form melts at a distinctly measured point, meaning lifecycle data often detail whether the product will appear as a liquid or solid under expected transport climates. In my experience, bulk consumers prefer the liquid format for easy dispensing into blends, though powdered or pearled versions offer reduced spillage and more stable shelf life.
Structurally, citral propyleneglycol acetal brings together the backbone of citral with two units of propylene glycol through acetal linkages, protecting the molecule from hydrolysis and boosting longevity in both shelf and field applications. Its molecular formula stands at C13H26O3, which gives it a molecular weight around 230 grams per mole. Chemists often value this stability, since open-chain aldehydes like citral alone may oxidize or degrade, but once locked into this acetal format, the compound endures formulation challenges, heat treatment, and long-term storage. The acetal function also moderates the otherwise sharp lemony scent of pure citral, rounding out edges and enabling layered fragrance profiles.
Regarding physical properties, citral propyleneglycol acetal sits in the moderate range for volatility. Its boiling point generally exceeds 200°C, which reduces evaporation losses during processing. The liquid is almost colorless, sometimes showing a faint yellow hue. Manufacturers testing for quality control routinely look for clarity, lack of visible particulates, and consistency in scent profile. As with most glycol-based acetals, water solubility stays fairly low, but it mixes well with ethanol, oils, and other organic solvents—making it useful in fragrance dispersions and flavor bases. Bulk density measurements usually hover near 1.0-1.1 g/cm³ for flakes and powders, making it easy to handle using standard dosing equipment. For suppliers, these handling traits reduce shipping hazards, limiting risk of unwanted reactions or spills.
In the materials world, product safety profiles are more than legal requirements—they’re how professionals make judgment calls every day. Citral propyleneglycol acetal typically scores well in safety assessments. It does not meet criteria for acute oral or dermal toxicity based on published MSDS data. Still, care matters; eye and skin contact can cause mild irritation, especially in concentrated forms or with extended exposure. No major chronic hazards appear in animal studies, and inhalation risks are minimal compared to volatile aldehydes. Its flashpoint sits well above room temperature, making storage in standard drums or tanks safe as long as facilities stick to established chemical storage protocols. For transport, classifying under HS Code 2912199090 groups it with other organic acetals, reducing complexity for customs declarations and international shipping.
Sourcing citral propyleneglycol acetal starts with high-purity citral, usually derived from steam-distilled lemongrass or lemon myrtle oils. Propylene glycol input supports both food and cosmetic grade specifications, so manufacturers regularly maintain strict supply chain controls. In the flavor and fragrance world, this acetal often works as a top note modifier—it smooths and extends citrus scents in perfumes, or lends a masking effect where aldehyde pungency must be reduced. Household cleaners, air fresheners, and textile treatments benefit from the stability and clean aroma. Based on workflow from my prior work overseeing raw materials, suppliers typically offer this product in tankers for industrial blends, and in pre-weighed pearls or solid blocks for smaller specialty batches. Adulteration risks appear low due to the specificity of starting materials and the unique character of its odor.
Any chemical introduced to consumer products brings focus to environmental fate and regulatory status. Citral propyleneglycol acetal does not persist unusually in air, soil, or water, breaking down in typical waste treatment systems faster than some aromatic hydrocarbons or halogenated solvents. Food safety agencies and fragrance consortia publish regular updates; currently, it faces no major restrictions for use in finished goods, though manufacturers must register composition and keep to concentration limits in use within EU REACH and global GHS systems. The compound does not bioaccumulate appreciably, lessening long-term environmental build-up concerns. Safe disposal routes involve routine chemical waste streams; few jurisdictions demand special handling unless the acetal sits mixed with regulated volatile organics.
Problems that surface with citral propyleneglycol acetal usually connect to upstream purity or downstream misuse. Poor-quality citral feedstock may introduce unwanted byproducts, impacting both scent and safety. I have reviewed supplier audits where this triggered failed batches and product recalls. The fix pivots on procurement; robust quality checks on incoming raw materials and periodic independent assays on finished batches keep standards high. Downstream, workplace safety hinges on good training and reliable personal protective equipment—goggles, gloves, fume hoods for open transfers in confined spaces. Most mishandling incidents I’ve encountered link to neglected safety checks or cost-cutting on storage. Regulatory updates and regular staff refreshers on safe handling further trim risks, fostering not just compliance but genuine workplace safety.
Understanding the specific traits of citral propyleneglycol acetal—aroma, melting point, density, safe handling—brings clarity to buyers and users across industries. Choices made in procurement, formulation, and material storage shape not only cost and product performance, but also broader issues like regulatory exposure and worker safety. No single chemical defines a product line, but well-studied building blocks like this acetal keep blended goods safe and effective, all while keeping production lines moving and end consumers satisfied with the results.
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