Final answer:
Citronellal is a monoterpenoid, a type of organic compound, and is the main compound responsible for the scent of lemons. This compound has a carbonyl group, which takes the specific form of an aldehyde in citronellal. The carbon atom in this group is bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Citronellal is a type of organic compound called a terpenoid, specifically a monoterpenoid. It's one of the chief constituents of the essential oils derived from citronella plants, which gives these oils their distinctive lemony aroma. Terpenoids, like citronellal, are a type of organic molecule characterized by multiple isoprene units. They're common constituents of essential oils.
The essence of the structure of a terpenoid like citronellal is in its carbonyl group, typically an ester or a carboxylic acid. A carbonyl group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. In a carboxylic acid, the carbon atom is also bonded to a hydroxyl (OH) group, while in an ester, it's bonded to an oxygen atom that is further bonded to another carbon atom. In citronellal, the carbonyl group takes the form of an aldehyde, meaning it's bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group.
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