alpha-terpinene

Full Material List

1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylcyclohexa-1,3-diene

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	99-86-5
FEMA	3558
EINECS	202-795-1
Synonyms	1,3- cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)- 1,3- cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-isopropyl- p- mentha-1,3-diene para- mentha-1,3-diene 1,3-p- menthadiene 1,3-para- menthadiene 4- methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1- methyl-4-(1-methyl ethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1- methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1- methyl-4-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexa-1,3-diene 1- methyl-4-isopropyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1- methyl-4-isopropylcyclohexadiene-1,3 1- methyl-4-propan-2-ylcyclohexa-1,3-diene 4-iso propyl-1-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1-iso propyl-4-methyl cyclohexa-1,3-diene 1-iso propyl-4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadien 1-iso propyl-4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene 1-iso propyl-4-methylcyclohexa-1,3-diene a- terpinene alpha- terpinene natural alpha- terpinene P&F
JECFA Food Flavoring	1339
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	01.019 alpha-terpinene
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII	I24X278AP1
CoE Number	11023
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	136.23752
Molecular Formula	C10 H16

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	Yes
Appearance	colorless to pale yellow clear oily liquid (est)
Assay	89.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	0.83300 to 0.83800 @ 25.00 °C.
Lbs/Gal (est)	6.931 to 6.973
Refractive Index	1.47500 to 1.48000 @ 20.00 Â°C.
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	173.00 to 175.00 Â°C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point	115.00 Â°F. TCC ( 46.11 Â°C. )
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	1.638000 mmHg @ 25.00 Â°C. (est)
Vapor Density	4.7 ( Air = 1 )
logP (o/w)	4.25
Soluble In	alcohol fixed oils water, 5.915 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) water
Occurrence	agathosma crenulata oil @ 0.05% ajowan seed oil turkey @ trace% allspice fruit allspice leaf allspice seed alpinia galanga oil @ trace% angelica root oil @ 0.26% anise oil anise star anise fruit anise star anise seed armoise oil morocco @ 0.2% artemisia variabilis flower oil italy @ 0.10% artemisia vestita wall. flower oil @ 7.00% artemisia vestita wall. leaf oil @ 5.30% basil leaf oil basil oil basil oil sweet poland @ 0.06% basil oil var. glabratum turkey @ trace% basil plant basil shoot oil bay laurel leaf bay laurel leaf oil bay leaf oil @ 0.02-0.19% bergamot oil @ 0.081-0.282% bergamot oil @ 3.2% bergamot oil turkey @ 0.07% bergamot plant wild blood orange oil (citrus sinensis l. var. sanguinello) italy @ 0.004% blood orange oil (citrus sinensis l. var. tarocco) italy @ 0.002% blood orange oil italy @ 0.007% boldo leaf oil italy @ 0.04% boldus leaf oil chile @ 0.02% buchu leaf oil @ 0.13% cabbage shoot cabocla flower oil brazil @ 0.60% cajuput oil @ 0.1% cajuput oil vietnam @ 0.6% calamintha nepeta (l.) savi subsp. glandulosa oil greece @ trace% calamus leaf oil @ 0.04% calamus root oil mongolia @ 0.40% cananga fruit oil @ 3.7% cananga odorata oil java @ 0.03% caraway seed cardamom cardamom fruit cardamom root oil carrot root carrot seed carrot seed oil @ 0.96% carrot seed oil spain @ trace-0.29% cassia plant cassis bud oil @ trace-1.32% cedarleaf oil canada @ 0.16-0.45% cedarwood oil lebanon @ >0.10% celery leaf celery leaf oil celery leaf oil @ trace% celery seed oil chamomile garden chamomile plant cinnamomum fragrans baillon leaf oil madagascar @ 0.30% cinnamomum fragrans baillon leaf oil madagascar @ 1.20% cinnamon ceylon cinnamon bark oil cinnamon ceylon cinnamon leaf cinnamon ceylon cinnamon leaf oil cinnamon ceylon cinnamon plant cinnamon ceylon cinnamon root bark cinnamon ceylon cinnamon stem bark citronella oil ceylon @ 0.06% citronella oil china @ 0.01% citronella oil java @ 0.01% clary sage oil france @ trace% clocimum oil india @ 0.43% coriander coriander fruit coriander oil coriander seed oil coriander seed oil @ <0.10% coriander seed oil cuba @ 0.02% crithmum maritimum l. oil turkey @ 1.40% cumin cumin seed cumin seed oil currant black currant fruit curry fruit oil india @ 0.20% curry leaf oil india @ 0.20% cypress cone oil egypt @ 0.4% cypress oil @ 0.22-0.26% dill leaf dill oil dill seed oil dill shoot oil dill weed oil cuba @ 0.34% dill weed oil reunion @ trace% eucalyptus camaldulensis dehn. leaf oil jerusalem @ 0.60% eucalyptus camaldulensis dehnh. leaf oil ethiopia @ 0.50% eucalyptus deaneti maiden leaf oil ethiopia @ 0.30% eucalyptus globulus fruit oil @ 0.22% eucalyptus globulus oil burundia @ 0.10% eucalyptus globulus oil rwanda @ 0.02% eucalyptus globulus oil zambia @ trace% eucalyptus nitens (deane et maiden) maiden leaf oil ethiopia @ 0.20% featherfew leaf oil @ 2.98% fennel fennel plant fennel seed fennel seed oil fennel seed oil bitter lithuania @ 1.90% ferula cupularis flower oil @ 0.71% ferula cupularis leaf oil @ 1.25% fir korean fir fir needle oil canada @ 0.02-0.11% fir needle oil siberia @ 0.10% frankincense oil somalia @ trace% geranium stem oil india @ 0.11% ginger rhizome ginger rhizome oil gingergrass oil @ 0.02% grapefruit oil c.p. @ 0.03% grapefruit oil c.p. @ 0.04% grapefruit oil c.p. @ 0.24% grapefruit oil c.p. italy @ 0.01% grapefruit oil CO2 extract @ 0.03% helichrysum italicum oil america @ 0.22% hinoki leaf oil @ 1.11% hinoki root oil @ 0.41% hinoki wood oil @ 0.15% horsemint shoot hypericum dogonbadanicum assadi oil iran @ 0.20% hyptis spicigera lam. oil mali @ 0.30-0.40% hyptis suaveolens (l.) poit. oil mali @ 0.60-0.90% hyssop leaf juniper berry oil @ 0.50% juniper berry oil CO2 extract @ 4.10% juniper branch oil @ 1.10% juniper needle oil @ 1.90% kewda oil @ 0.09-0.22% labdanum leaf oil @ 0.10% labdanum oil @ trace% laurel leaf oil turkey @ 1.30% lavandin oil abrialis @ 0.09% lavandin oil grosso @ 0.05% lavender oil spike spain @ 0.33% layana oil kenya @ 0.62% layana oil wild zimbabwe @ 0.10-1.10% layana oil zimbabwe @ 0.3% lemon oil lemon oil california @ 0.16% lemon oil expressed italy @ 0.21% lemon pericarp lemon petiole lemon verbena oil turkey @ 0.08% lemongrass oil morocco @ 0.10% levisticum officinale flower oil @ trace% levisticum officinale seed oil @ trace% lime fruit lime oil distilled mexico @ 2.84% lime oil distilled peru @ 2.35% lime oil expressed florida @ 0.3% lippia aff. gracillis h.b.k. leaf oil brazil @ 1.90% lovage flower oil @ 0.70% lovage leaf oil @ 0.80% lovage root lovage seed oil @ 4.80% mace oil @ 3.90% mace oil CO2 extract @ 0.70% mandarin fruit mandarin oil @ 2.62% mandarin oil avana @ 0.24% mandarin oil avana @ 0.40% mandarin oil italy @ 0.44% mandarin oil uruguay @ trace% manuka var. eximium oil australia @ 0.10% manuka var. rotundifolium oil australia @ 0.10% marjoram leaf marjoram leaf oil marjoram oil marjoram oil spain @ 0.10% marjoram oil sweet cuba @ 3.32% marjoram oil sweet cyprus @ 4.70-6.50% marjoram oil sweet turkey @ 0.95-1.27% marjoram plant marjoram pot oil turkey @ 0.39-2.31% marjoram wild marjoram plant mastic fruit oil @ 0.04% mastic leaf oil @ 0.02% mastic oil @ 0.05% microstrobos niphophilus leaf oil australia @ 0.50% mikan peel oil @ 0.41% myristica fragrans fruit oil @ 2.20% neroli oil CO2 extract @ 0.04% nutmeg extract CO2 west indian @ 0.40% nutmeg flower oil @ 3.67% nutmeg leaf oil @ 2.51-6.48% nutmeg oil nutmeg oil hydrodistilled india @ 2.2% nutmeg oil india @ 1.24% nutmeg seed nutmeg seed oil ocimum gratissimum l. oil brazil @ 0.14% orange fruit orange oil c.p. brazil @ trace% orange peel oil sweet c.p. blond italy @ 0.002% orange peel oil sweet c.p. blond italy @ 0.003% orange peel oil sweet c.p. blond italy @ 0.005% orange peel oil sweet c.p. blond italy @ 0.007% orange peel oil sweet c.p. blond italy @ 0.011% orange peel oil sweet c.p. egypt @ 0.12% oregano oil mexico @ 0.34% oregano plant oregano plant oregano shoot oregano shoot oil origanum oil greece @ 0.03% papaya fruit parsley fruit oil parsley leaf parsley leaf oil egypt @ 0.17% parsley seed oil parsnip root pennyroyal oil spain @ trace% pepper pepper black pepper fruit pepper black pepper fruit oil pepper black pepper seed oil pepper oil black india @ 9.90% pepper tree leaf oil @ 0.02% peppermint peppermint oil america @ 0.43% peppermint plant petitgrain combava oil @ 0.03% petitgrain grapefruit oil @ 10.70% petitgrain mandarin oil @ 0.26% petitgrain oil @ 0.30% pimenta racemosa leaf oil lemon @ 0.02% pimento berry oil @ trace% pimento berry oil CO2 extract jamaica @ trace% pine pine needle oil dwarf @ 0.13% pinus sylvestris l. needle oil estonia @ 0.20% pinus sylvestris l. needle oil yugoslavia @ 0.20% plectranthus glandulosus hook f. leaf oil cameroon @ 0.80% pomelo prangos uechtritzii boiss. et hausskn. fruit oil turkey @ 0.50% pteronia oil @ 0.20% ravintsara leaf oil @ 2.98%% rosemary leaf rosemary leaf oil rosemary oil corsica @ 0.70% rosemary oil egypt @ 0.27% rosemary oil france @ 0.39-0.46% rosemary oil morocco @ 0.52-0.66% rosemary oil turkey @ 3.29% rosemary plant rosemary sap rosemary shoot rosemary shoot oil saffron stigma sage leaf sage leaf oil sage oil sage oil albania @ 0.20% sage oil cuba @ 0.12% sage oil dalmatian @ 0.20% sage oil england @ 0.20% sage oil germany @ 0.21% sage oil lithuania @ 0.24% sage oil reunion @ trace% sage oil spain @ 0.0-0.1% sage plant salvia lavandulifolia vahl. leaf oil @ 0.10% salvia lavandulifolia vahl. leaf oil spain @ 0.40% salvia officinalis oil cuba @ 0.12% santolina oil @ 0.65% satureja viminea l. oil costa rica @ trace% savin oil @ 0.50% savory oil summer @ 4.45-4.69% savory summer savory plant savory winter savory plant snake root oil canada @ 0.10% spearmint sugandha kokila berry oil @ 0.40% sunflower flower tagete oil turkey @ 0.02% tanacetum annum l. oil marocco @ 0.90% tangerine oil america @ trace% tansy flower oil canada @ 0.23% tansy flower oil dutch @ 0.20% tansy leaf oil dutch @ 0.30% tansy oil argentina @ trace% tansy oil marocco @ 0.40% tarragon oil @ trace% tea tree oil australia @ 9.90% thevetia peruviana (pers.) k. schum. flower oil brazil @ 1.20% thyme absolute @ trace% thyme oil thyme oil portuguese @ 1.0% thyme oil red CO2 extract @ 0.07% thyme oil red india @ 1.4% thyme oil red spain @ 1.67-2.34% thyme oil spain @ 0.02% thyme oil spain @ 1.91% thyme oil wild or creeping finland @ 0.30% thyme oil wild or creeping pakistan @ 0.67% trachyspermum roxburghianum benth. ex. kurz. seed oil india @ 3.10% turmeric leaf turmeric rhizome turmeric root oil hydrodistilled @ 0.20% vassoura oil @ 0.10% wormseed wormseed oil america @ 17.54% wormseed oil spain @ 0.83% wormwood leaf oil annus america @ 0.22-0.40% wormwood oil america @ 0.16% wormwood oil annus france @ 0.00-0.18% wormwood oil cuba @ 1.55% wormwood oil italy @ 0.3% yarrow leaf oil @ 1.10% yarrow oil @ 0.60% yarrow oil greece @ 7.00% yuzu leaf oil @ 0.08-0.12% zanthoxylum bracchyacanthum l. leaf oil australia @ trace%

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	1. Odor Type: woody Odor Strength:medium ,recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less Substantivity: > 2 hour(s) at 100.00 % woody terpenic lemon herbal medicinal citrus Odor Description:at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. woody terpene lemon herbal medicinal citrusLuebke, William tgsc, (1986) Odor sample from: SCM Organic Chemicals citrus woody terpenic camphoreous thyme spicy juicy citrus Odor Description:at 10.00 %. Citrusy, woody, terpy with camphoraceous and thymol notes. It has spicy and juicy citrus nuancesMosciano, Gerard P&F 25, No. 6, 26, (2000)
Odor	woody woody, terpenic, lemon, herbal, medicinal, citrus, camphoreous, thyme, spicy, juicy
Flavor	terpenic terpenic, woody, pine, citrus, lemon, lime, spicy, minty,

AInsights BETA

AInsights Entry for Alpha-Terpinene (CAS: 99-86-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): Alpha-terpinene
IUPAC Name: 1-Isopropyl-4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene
CAS Number: 99-86-5
FEMA Number: 3045
Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
Molecular Formula: C10H16
Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol

Alpha-terpinene is a monoterpene hydrocarbon characterized by its cyclohexadiene structure. The presence of isopropyl and methyl groups contributes to its distinct odor profile, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Alpha-terpinene is known for its fresh, citrusy, and slightly herbal aroma, often described as reminiscent of lemon and lime. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as a top note in fragrance compositions. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of citrus profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Alpha-terpinene is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including tea tree oil, marjoram, and cardamom. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, where it acts as an intermediate in the formation of other terpenes. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction method and source.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Alpha-terpinene is utilized in flavor formulations primarily within citrus and herbal categories. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing a fresh and zesty note that complements other citrus components. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under prolonged heat exposure.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, alpha-terpinene is incorporated into citrus, herbal, and green fragrance families. It acts as a top note, offering a fresh and lively opening to compositions. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility ensures a quick evaporation rate, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062.
United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Alpha-terpinene is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an adequate margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at GRAS levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid evaporation, reducing occupational risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Alpha-terpinene is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, though care must be taken to avoid excessive use, which can lead to an overpowering effect. Formulators should consider its volatility and potential for degradation under heat when designing products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on alpha-terpinene is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are generally consistent, though specific use levels may vary based on formulation goals. Some data gaps exist in regional regulatory specifics, but these do not significantly impact its safe use.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

All required sections 1–9 are present
"Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
Flavor section includes ppm ranges
Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-04-24 13:45:33 GMT (p2)

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alpha-terpinene

Identifiers

Properties

Organoleptic

AInsights BETA

AInsights Entry for Alpha-Terpinene (CAS: 99-86-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

2. Sensory Profile

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

4. Use in Flavors

5. Use in Fragrances

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

QA Check

Suppliers

Vigon International

Vigon International

Vigon International

Penta Fine Ingredients

Penta Fine Ingredients