Citral Natural
Natural Citral
Natural Citral is from Chinese Litsea cubeba Oil, consisting of cis-isomer (neral) + trans-isomer (geranial). It accounts for 60%–80% in the oil, delivering an intense, fresh, diffusive lemon-citrus aroma. As the world’s most cost-effective & abundant natural citral source, it features potent antimicrobial, antioxidant & insect-repellent properties, widely used in flavors, food, personal care, pharmaceuticals & synthesis.
1. Basic Information
- English Name: Natural Citral (from Litsea cubeba Oil)
- CAS Number: 5392-40-5
- Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆O
- Molecular Weight: 152.24
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow clear oily liquid
- Aroma: Strong fresh lemon-citrus notes with green-herbal undertones; highly diffusive & radiant
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, propylene glycol, oils
- Stability: Prone to oxidation/polymerization under light/heat/air; store in dark, sealed, cool conditions
2. Source & Production Process
- Natural Source: Fruits/leaves of Litsea cubeba (Hunan/Jiangxi/Guangxi/Fujian, South China); steam-distilled to yield Litsea cubeba Oil (60%–80% citral); China supplies 90%+ of global natural citral.
- Process (Natural physical/chemical hybrid, no synthetic impurities):Litsea cubeba fruits/leaves → Steam distillation → Crude Litsea cubeba Oil → Bisulfite addition / vacuum rectification → Citral-rich fraction → Refining → High-purity natural citral
- Features: 100% botanical origin, pure natural aroma, intact bioactivity, Kosher/Halal certified, cost-effective
3. Main Applications
(1)Flavors & Fragrances (Primary Use, 50%+)
- Accord building: Lemon, citrus, lime, bergamot, fruity, cologne, fresh-green top/base notes.
- Food flavors: Soft drinks, candies, baked goods, ice creams, chewing gums, fruit wines (enhance fresh lemon notes, deodorize).
- Personal care fragrances: Perfumes, aromatherapy, toilet water, air fresheners (boost freshness, vitality, mask odors).
- Tobacco & industrial: Tobacco flavors (fruity notes, reduce irritation); coatings, rubber, inks (natural fragrancing, antibacterial).
(2)Natural Food Preservation
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial: Potent against bacteria/fungi/molds (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, yeast); stronger than phenol.
- Preservation applications: Beverages, jams, pastries, feed, grains (extend shelf life, replace synthetic preservatives); rice fumigation mold inhibition (patented).
- Safety compliance: FEMA 2303, FDA GRAS, GB2760 approved; natural, low-toxic, residue-free.
(3)Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Hair/body care: Soaps, detergents, body washes, shampoos (fresh lemon scent, antibacterial & antipruritic, soothing & oil-control, mask chemical odors).
- Oral care: Toothpaste, mouthwash (antibacterial, fresh breath, reduce bad breath).
- Skincare: Creams, serums, toners (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brighten dull skin).
(4)Pharmaceuticals & Wellness
- Synthesis intermediate: Key raw material for Vitamin A, Vitamin E, ionones, methylionones (global high demand).
- Bioactivity: Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, hypotensive; relieves arrhythmia, aids digestion, anti-anxiety.
- Medicinal formulations: Topical antibacterial ointments, cough syrups, aromatherapy oils (soothe respiratory tract, refresh mind).
(5)Agriculture & Environment
- Natural pest control: Repel mosquitoes, aphids, storage pests; used in fruit/vegetable preservation, eco-pesticides, plant growth regulators.
- Mold & rot prevention: Wood, textiles, leather (antibacterial & mold-inhibiting, extend service life).
4. Key Advantages
- Chinese Resource Monopoly: 90%+ global natural citral from China (Hunan/Jiangxi); stable capacity & cost control.
- Pure & Unique Aroma: Natural lemon-citrus notes fresh, diffusive & complex; synthetics cannot replicate natural bioactivity & aroma depth.
- Multi-functional High Value: Combines flavoring, antibacterial, antioxidant, pharmaceutical synthesis, agricultural pest control—full industrial chain coverage.
- Natural & Safe Compliance: Plant-derived, low-toxic, residue-free; aligns with global natural ingredient trends.