Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Citral

Identification

Product Name: Citral
Chemical Formula: C10H16O
Synonyms: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal; Geranial; Neral
CAS Number: 5392-40-5
EC Number: 226-394-6
Recommended Use: Fragrance, flavoring agent, intermediate in organic synthesis
Manufacturer/Supplier: Provided on request
Contact Information: Emergency telephone available from safety department

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, Skin irritant, Eye irritant, Skin sensitizer
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: May cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, eye irritation; flammable liquid and vapor
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapor or mist, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves and goggles
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye contact, ingestion
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory system
Emergency Overview: Yellowish liquid with a lemon odor; flammable and irritating to eyes and skin

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Citral
Concentration: >95%
Impurities: Trace amounts of geraniol, nerol, and other terpenoids possible
Molecular Weight: 152.24 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms appear
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; if irritation persists, seek medical advice
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing; get medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance
General Advice: Show this safety sheet to the attending physician

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets may spread the fire
Fire Hazards: Vapors may ignite, form explosive mixtures with air, burns with dense irritating smoke
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray to prevent bursting, evacuate area, avoid breathing fumes
Decomposition Products: Irritating gases and vapors (carbon oxides)

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources, ventilate area, wear suitable protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, ditches, or waterways
Clean-Up Methods: Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite), use spark-proof tools, dispose in accordance with regulations
Additional Advice: Avoid vapors and direct contact, notify appropriate authorities if environmental contamination occurs

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, keep away from sources of heat, sparks, open flames, use explosion-proof electrical equipment, avoid generating mist
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks, after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in working area
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances (strong oxidizing agents, acids)
Storage Temperature: Recommended: 2–8°C
Packaging Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum, amber glass

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for citral; use workplace dust and vapor guidelines as reference
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, enclosed processes
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves: Nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Clothing: Long sleeve lab coat, chemical-resistant apron
Respiratory Protection: Organic vapor respirator if airborne concentration exceeds recommended limits
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent further leakage or spillage; use containment to avoid contamination of environment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong lemon-like, citrus
pH: Not applicable (neutral compound)
Melting Point: -10°C
Boiling Point: 227°C
Flash Point: 92°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Combustible
Vapor Pressure: 0.24 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 0.888 g/mL at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 2.76
Viscosity: Low
Autoignition Temperature: 250°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, acids
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, sunlight, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Emits carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under fire conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Estimated oral LD50 (rat): ~5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can cause moderate to severe irritation on contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, may result in redness and pain
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: May trigger allergic skin response in sensitive individuals
Mutagenicity: Not classified as mutagenic
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence in animal studies at relevant doses
Chronic Effects: Long-term or repeated skin exposure may increase chance of sensitization and dermatitis

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Hazardous to aquatic organisms in concentrated form
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by standard test methods
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate, based on octanol-water partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: Limited by low water solubility; adsorbs to organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Spillage can impact local aquatic habitats; avoid entry into waterways and soil

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate in an approved facility; do not dispose of with household garbage
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as unused product; rinse containers before recycling where allowed
Special Precautions: Do not release to the environment; handle according to local regulations
Waste Code: Dependent on concentration and local jurisdiction

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (contains Citral)
Class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Transport Hazard Label: Flammable Liquid (Red Diamond)
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant in pure state; may be if mixed
Special Precautions: Keep away from heat, open flames, and oxidizers; transport in upright sealed containers

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Listed or exempted on many national inventories (TSCA, DSL, EINECS, AICS)
OSHA: Hazardous chemical; covered under Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed
California Prop 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Class B-3 (Combustible Liquid), D-2B (Toxic Material)
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace controls for allergens and irritants, not a controlled drug or precursor
Labeling Requirements: GHS-compliant hazard and precautionary statements, supplier identification, recommended PPE