METHYL CITRONELLATE

Chemical properties

Methyl citronellate has a fruity (apple), brandy-like odor.

Occurrence

Reported as naturally occurring in the oil from the leaves of Calytrix tetragona, pepper and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

The Uses of METHYL CITRONELLATE

Methyl citronellate, not often offered commercially, has found a little use in perfume compositions, mainly as part of new topnote complexes with natural-green materials for Rose, Muguet, Peony, and in refreshing, "outdoor"-type fragrances, etc.

Preparation

From citronellic acid, methanol and sulfuric acid; from citronellic acid treated with diazomethane in ether solutuion

Definition

ChEBI: Methyl citronellate is a monoterpenoid.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 35, p. 8649, 1994 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)78461-9

Synthesis

Methyl citronellateis prepared by oxidation of Citronellol (or Citronella) with Cr2O3 to yield Citronellic acid, which is esterified with Methanol.