β-cyclocitral

Technical specification

Assessment

Cyclocitral can be best detected in water in the following way. Without covering the glass, swirl the sample to release the aroma. Take a single short sniff. Repeat as necessary.

Amount of flavour per capsule

440 µg per capsule

Threshold

The flavour threshold of beta-cyclocitral in water is 150 ng / l.

Origins

Beta-Cyclocitral is formed by Cyanobacteria in reservoirs or water distribution systems. It is produced by both actively-growing organisms and through cell lysis or decomposition.

Importance

Cyclocitral imparts an aromatic odour to water, reminiscent of hay and dry wood at low concentrations, which becomes more tobacco-like and fruity at higher concentrations.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number of beta-cyclocitral is 432-25-7.

Other names

• beta-cyclocitral
• 2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde
• 2,6,6-trimethyl cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde
• 2,6,6-trimethyl-1(2)-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde
• 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde

Remarks

Beta-Cyclocitral is associated with cases of algal bloom in lakes and reservoirs. It may be found in tainted water, together with other carotenoid breakdown products such as beta-ionone.

Threshold distribution

Capsules per pot

10