| CAS (Single) | 80-56-8 |
| FEMA | 2902 |
| EINECS | 201-291-9 |
| Synonyms |
|
| JECFA Food Flavoring | 1329 |
| JECFA Food Additive | N/A |
| DG SANTE Food Flavourings | 01.004 DL-pin-2(3)-ene |
| DG SANTE Food Contact Materials | DL-pin-2(3)-ene |
| FDA UNII | JPF3YI7O34 |
| CoE Number | 2113 |
| XlogP3-AA | N/A |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23752 |
| Molecular Formula | C10 H16 |
| Food Chemicals Codex Listed | Yes |
| Appearance | colorless to pale yellow clear liquid (est) |
| Assay | 97.00 to 100.00 sum of isomers |
| Specific Gravity | 0.85300 to 0.86100 @ 25.00 °C. |
| Lbs/Gal (est) | 7.098 to 7.164 |
| Refractive Index | 1.46300 to 1.46700 @ 20.00 °C. |
| Melting Point | -64.00 to -62.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg |
| Boiling Point | 155.00 to 156.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg |
| Flash Point | 90.00 °F. TCC ( 32.22 °C. ) |
| Acid Value | N/A |
| Vapor Pressure | 4.750000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C. |
| Vapor Density | N/A |
| logP (o/w) | 4.83 |
| Soluble In |
|
| Occurrence |
|
| Organoleptic Notes |
|
| Odor | herbal fresh, camphoreous, sweet, pine, earthy, woody, terpenic, cooling, herbal |
| Flavor | woody woody, pine, terpenic, camphoreous, herbal, spicy, tropical, |
Alpha-pinene is a bicyclic monoterpene and one of the most widely distributed terpenes in nature. It is commonly known as alpha-pinene, with the IUPAC name 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene. The CAS number for alpha-pinene is 80-56-8. It is also identified by FEMA number 2902. The molecular formula is C10H16, and it has a molecular weight of 136.24 g/mol. Alpha-pinene contains a reactive double bond and a bicyclic structure, which contribute to its characteristic pine-like odor. This structure is significant for its odor profile, as the bicyclic framework is associated with the fresh, resinous scent typical of pine trees.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
Alpha-pinene is characterized by its fresh, woody, and pine-like aroma, often described as resinous and slightly balsamic. It is a high-impact odorant with a strong intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a crisp and invigorating top note. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, alpha-pinene is known for its potent sensory impact even at low concentrations, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
Alpha-pinene is naturally found in the oils of many coniferous trees, particularly pines. It is a major component of turpentine and is also present in rosemary, eucalyptus, and other aromatic plants. Alpha-pinene is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where it is derived from geranyl pyrophosphate. Its presence in essential oils contributes to the designation of these oils as "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances," depending on the context of use.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
In flavor applications, alpha-pinene is used to impart a fresh, pine-like note, often in conjunction with other terpenes to create complex, natural profiles. It is commonly used in mint, citrus, and herbal flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. Alpha-pinene is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but can be prone to oxidation, which may alter its sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
Alpha-pinene is utilized in a variety of fragrance families, including woody, fresh, and herbal compositions. It serves as a top note, providing freshness and lift to the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary from trace amounts to several percent, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, where it contributes to the initial impression of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
In the United States, alpha-pinene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns with EU regulations, though specific divergences may occur. In Asia, alpha-pinene is accepted in countries like Japan and China, though specific regulatory details may vary. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize its use in flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
Alpha-pinene is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended to minimize risk.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
Alpha-pinene is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, natural character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and can enhance the perception of freshness in citrus and herbal compositions. Formulators should be mindful of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can affect stability and sensory properties. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its impact can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
The data on alpha-pinene is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though specific use levels may vary based on formulation goals. Some data gaps exist in terms of precise sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances, but these do not significantly impact its safe use in typical applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-06-10 06:57:56 GMT (p2)
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