Chemical Name: Citral
IUPAC NAME: (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal
CAS No.: 5392-40-5
EINECS: 226-394-6
RTECS: RG5075000
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆O
Molecular Weight: 152.23 g/mol
Melting Point: <-10°C
Density: 0.856 g/cm³ 
Flash Point: 101.7 °C
Boiling Point: 229 °C at 760 mmHg
 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5) is stable,but readily isomerizes and incompatible with alkalies, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids,and it is air and light sensitive.
Following is the structure of 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5):

                  
The chemical synonymous of 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5) are (2E)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienal ; 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl- ; 2,6-Octadienal,3,7-dimethyl- ; 3,7-Dimethyl-1,2,6-octadienal ; 3,7-Dimethyll-2,6-octadienal ; 3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,6-dienal ; 6-Octadienal,3,7-dimethyl-2 ; cis,trans-Citral

 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5) is used as a perfumer agent for the preparation of lemon flavor, but also as raw materials for synthesis of ionone and vitamin A

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Mildly toxic by ingestion. Experimental reproductive effects. A severe human and experimental skin irritant. Mutation data reported. Combustible liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Hazard Codes:
    Xi: Harmful
Risk Statements about 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5):
    R38 Irritating to skin. 
    R43 May cause sensitization by skin contact. 
Safety Statements about 3,7-DIMETHYL-2,6-OCTADIENAL (5392-40-5):
    S24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes. 
    S37 Wear suitable gloves.

1. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container.
2. Handling: Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Use only in a chemical fume hood.
3. Personal Protection: Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.
4. Fire Fighting: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear.Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. 
5. Reactivity Profile Citral is an aldehyde. Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids. These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation. Citral can react with alkalis and strong acids. Citral can readily isomerize.