Citronellic acid

Uses in perfumery :

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Natural availability :

Found in cardamom

Isomerism :

Citronellic Acid has an asymmetric carbon which gives origin to two possible enantiomers for this molecule. It is nevertheless a mixture of its isomers which is used in perfumery.

Synthesis precursor :

Citronellic Acid is used for the synthesis of several citronellic esters. A catalyzed reaction with ethanol allows for example to form Ethyl Citronellate.

Synthesis route :

Citronellic Acid is obtained by oxidation of Citronellal. This synthesis can use a Pinnick's Oxidation reaction. This oxidation takes place in two steps. First step, chlorous acid is synthetized by reaction between sodium chlorite and sodium dihydrogenphosphate. The second stage brings the chlorous acid into contact with the Citronellal, making its functional carbon more electrophilic. It can therefore undergo nucleophilic attack by the chlorite ion formed. A release of hypochlorous acid during a concerted mechanism finally allows citronellal acid to be formed.