FlavScents AInsights Entry: Alpha-Terpineol (CAS: 98-55-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Alpha-terpineol
- IUPAC Name: 2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-ol
- CAS Number: 98-55-5
- FEMA Number: 3049
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.012
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O
- Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
Alpha-terpineol is a monoterpene alcohol characterized by its hydroxyl group attached to a cyclohexene ring. This structure contributes to its pleasant lilac-like odor, making it valuable in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Alpha-terpineol is known for its floral, lilac-like aroma with subtle citrus and pine nuances. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a smooth, clean character. The compound is used as an impact note in fragrance compositions and as a background realism enhancer in flavor systems. Odor thresholds are typically low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Alpha-terpineol naturally occurs in a variety of essential oils, including pine oil, petitgrain oil, and cajuput oil. It can also be formed through the hydration of limonene or alpha-pinene, common components in many essential oils. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Alpha-terpineol is utilized in a range of flavor categories, including citrus, floral, and herbal profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical values often guiding formulation. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, alpha-terpineol is a versatile component used across various fragrance families, including floral, woody, and citrus. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of compositions. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 5% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its moderate volatility makes it suitable for both personal care and household products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.012.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability may exist.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Alpha-terpineol is generally considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is monitored by IFRA, with guidelines to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, though occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Alpha-terpineol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, floral note to formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus components, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or synthetic character. It is often under-utilized in herbal and woody profiles, where it can add subtle depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on alpha-terpineol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural source composition may exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines in major markets.
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
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 2026-03-10 06:34:22 GMT (p2)