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E. citriodora oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves and terminal branches of E. citriodora Hook (lemon-scented gum). It is an almost colorless, pale yellow, or greenish-yellow liquid with a citronellal-like odor.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.860–0.870; n²⁰_D 1.4500–1.4560; α²⁰_D ?1 ° to +3 °; content of carbonyl compounds calculated as citronellal: min. 70%; content of citronellal by GC: min. 75%.
In addition to the main component, rac-citronellal, the oil contains citronellol and isopulegol (5–10% each).
Young E. citriodora trees that are grown exclusively for essential oil production are cut back to a height of 1–1.50m and develop into shrubs.The leaves can be harvested throughout the year; more than 200 kg of oil can be obtained per hectare.
Worldwide production of E. citriodora oil amounts to ～1000 t/yr.Themain producers are China and Brazil. Smaller quantities come from India, Vietnam, and Paraguay. In Brazil, the oil is a by-product of commercial forestry; E. citriodora wood serves as an energy source for steel production. E. citriodora oil is a starting material for the manufacture of citronellal and products derived from it. It is also used in perfumery for the same purposes as citronellal.