Bourgeonal

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Bourgeonal
IUPAC name 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal
Identifiers
CAS number
PubChem 64832
EINECS number 242-016-2
SMILES CC(C)(C)C1=CC=C(C=C1)CCC=O
Properties
Molecular formula C13H18O
Molar mass 190.28
Appearance Pale yellow liquid
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Bourgeonal is an aromatic aldehyde used in perfumery. It has a fragrance reminiscent of Lily of the Valley, otherwise described as floral, watery, green and aldehydic. It is a pale yellow liquid at room temperature.

It is toxic if swallowed and can cause skin irritation and sensitisation on contact.

Recently it was found that in vitro, bourgeonal acts as a chemoattractant for human spermatozoa, activating an olfactory receptor called hOR17-4 which opens calcium ion channels in the sperm, leading them to swim twice as fast. Bourgeonal is suspected to be involved in helping sperm locate the ovum.

[edit] References