The name ‘citral’ or 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal, suggests the scent of lemons so it’s not surprising that another name for this compound is lemonal. There are two isomers of this compound with the same chemical formula (C₁₀H₁₆O); geranial (citral A) and neral (citral B). As seen in the image to the right, the difference between these compounds is subtle¹.

Geranial and neral both have a lemon scent, however, neral has a milder, and sweeter lemon odor. These compounds are used individually or together depending upon the desired scent or flavor since they are used in perfumes, candy and even soft drinks. They can also be added to enhance other flavors for artificial grapefruit, orange and lime. The most common uses are cleaning products, laundry and dishwashing detergents. Chances are good you will use citral today. Interestingly lemongrass has significantly higher amounts of citral compared to lemons¹.

As you will see from the chromatograms below column choice is important. Two different columns were evaluated; the Stabilwax and the Rtx-Wax, for peak shape, resolution and bleed. The obvious column of choice is the Rtx-Wax as shown in the following chromatograms.

Shown below are chromatograms of a Custom Citral Mix on both columns with the Rtx-Wax column showing excellent peak shapes and separation. The Stabilwax column shows a fronting effect leading up to the citrals, which can cause problems with integration/quantitation.

Reference/link: https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/citral/3008193.article