Terpineol

Profile:

• IUPAC Name: 2-(4-Methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)propan-2-ol

• CAS Number: 98-55-5 (α-Terpineol), 138-87-4 (β-Terpineol), 586-81-2 (γ-Terpineol)

• FEMA Number: 3049

• ⚖️ MW 154,25 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Fresh (Terpenic)

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium. Stays about 20hrs on a smelling strip.

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Terpineol is Fresh, clean, with a dirty undertone. It is also Floral lilac and has the linalool floralcy. It makes me think of the classics detergents that clean everything.

• 👅 Flavor Profile: Citrus, woody, lemon-lime, soapy.

• ⚗️ Uses: excellent for citrus, tropical fruits, apple, tomato, and coffee flavors. As a basic component in Lilac perfumes and a major component of many varieties of Pine fragrances (lower grades of Terpineol will usually suffice) as a common ingredient of Fougeres, Apple blossoms, fragrances for household products, soaps, detergents, etc.

Overview of Terpineol

Description and Use in Perfumery:

Terpineol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol, commonly found in essential oils such as pine oil and petitgrain oil. It has a pleasant odor that is often described as lilac-like, which makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes and fragrances. Terpineol is used to impart a sweet, floral aroma and is often utilized in the formulation of cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaning agents due to its fresh and agreeable scent.

History and Discovery:

The exact historical timeline of terpineol's discovery is not well-documented, but its extraction and use date back to the early practices of distilling essential oils. It has been identified as a significant component in the essential oils of various plants, which were used in traditional medicine and perfumery for centuries. The synthetic production of terpineol became more prominent in the 20th century, aiding its widespread use in various industries.

First Use:

The first significant utilization of terpineol in perfumery can be traced back to the early 1900s when synthetic chemistry began to flourish. Its lilac-like fragrance made it an appealing choice for perfumers seeking to create floral notes in their formulations.

Sources and Extraction:

Terpineol is commonly extracted from natural sources such as pine oil, petitgrain oil, and cajuput oil. The extraction process typically involves steam distillation or solvent extraction. It can also be synthesized chemically from α-pinene, a major component of turpentine oil, through hydration.

Chemical Properties:

Terpineol exists in several isomeric forms, including α-terpineol, β-terpineol, and γ-terpineol. These isomers differ slightly in their molecular structure, leading to variations in their physical properties and olfactory characteristics. α-Terpineol is the most commonly encountered isomer in commercial applications.

• α-Terpineol: A major component with a lilac-like aroma.

• β-Terpineol: Less common, with a more pine-like scent.

• γ-Terpineol: Also less common, exhibiting different olfactory properties.

Applications Beyond Perfumery:

In addition to its use in fragrances, terpineol is employed in the pharmaceutical industry for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a solvent in various industrial applications and as a flavoring agent in the food industry.

Conclusion:

Terpineol is a versatile and valuable compound in perfumery and beyond. Its pleasant aroma, coupled with its presence in numerous essential oils, makes it a staple ingredient in creating floral and fresh scents.

References:

• Adams, R. P. (2007). Identification of Essential Oil Components by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Allured Publishing Corporation.

• Poucher, W. A. (2018). Poucher's Perfumes, Cosmetics and Soaps (10th ed.). Springer.

• Naves, Y. R. (2011). Terpenes and Terpenoids. In Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Wiley-Interscience.