| 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 with a characteristic pinene structure, which includes a reactive double bond. This structure is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its pine-like aroma. The presence of the double bond also makes it susceptible to oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
Alpha-pinene is renowned for its fresh, woody, and pine-like aroma, often described as crisp and clean. It is a high-impact odorant with a strong diffusion and moderate intensity. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a natural, forest-like freshness. While specific taste thresholds are not well-documented, its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
Alpha-pinene is naturally found in the oils of many coniferous trees, notably pines, and is a major component of turpentine. It is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where it serves as a precursor to other terpenes and terpenoids. Its presence in essential oils contributes to the "natural flavor" designation, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
Alpha-pinene is utilized in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, pine-like note, often in conjunction with other terpenes to enhance complexity. It is commonly used in mint, citrus, and herbal flavor profiles. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Alpha-pinene is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can oxidize, affecting its flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
In perfumery, alpha-pinene is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, uplifting top note. It is frequently used in fougère, chypre, and woody fragrance families. Concentration levels in fragrance formulations typically range from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility makes it a prominent top note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
Alpha-pinene's regulatory status is well-established, with harmonized approvals across major markets, though specific usage limits may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
Alpha-pinene is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications within established limits. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by a favorable safety profile, with an ADI not specifically established but considered safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally non-irritating, though it may cause sensitization in some individuals. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation is recommended to minimize risks.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
Alpha-pinene is prized for its ability to impart a natural, fresh character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and citrus notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be mindful of its oxidation potential, which can alter its sensory profile. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural, forest-like aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
The data on alpha-pinene is robust, with well-documented sensory and regulatory information. While industry practices are well-established, some variability in natural sources can affect composition. Known data gaps include specific taste thresholds and detailed toxicological profiles for inhalation exposure.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
Citation hooks: (internal)
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 2026-09-01 10:24:46 GMT (p2)
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