Citronellol

One of the most annoying things about going on holiday – up there with trying to cram everything into your hand luggage, or worrying about where you left your passport – is the prospect of being constantly tormented by bugs.

If like me you have pale skin – an irresistible lure for flies, ticks and mosquitoes – one of the standard scents of overseas travel is the lemony tang of insect repellent. 

If you favour the citrus kind (rather than the gag-inducing deet-based variety) one of the substances responsible for the aroma is oil of citronella. This is the name given to oil extracted from various plant species – usually lemongrass – which is made up of several fragrant components, among which is the compound citronellol.

Emma Stoye discusses the various uses of citronellol and the chemistry behind it.