Citronellol

/ˌsɪtroʊˈnɛlɔːl/ noun

Definition

A colorless liquid alcohol compound found in citronella oil and other plant oils, used in perfumes and cosmetics for its rose-like, flowery scent.

Etymology

From 'citronella' plus the chemical suffix '-ol' (indicating an alcohol or hydroxyl compound)—created when chemists began systematically isolating and naming individual molecules from essential oils.

Kelly Says

Citronellol is nature's rose substitute—perfumers use it because it smells beautifully floral at a fraction of the cost of actual roses, making it one of chemistry's greatest tricks for the beauty industry!

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