Bourgeonal

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IUPACName=3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal
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PubChem=64832
EINECS=242-016-2
SMILES=CC(C)(C)C1=CC=C(C=C1)CCC=O
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Formula=C₁₃H₁₈O
MolarMass=190.28
Appearance=Pale yellow liquid
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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.

References

*"Science", vol. 299, p 2054. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=12663925 Abstract (PubMed)]