Lime oil terpenes (CAS 68917-71-5) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Lime oil terpenes
CAS 68917-71-5
What Is Lime oil terpenes?
Lime oil terpenes are the volatile fraction distilled from cold-pressed lime peel oil, capturing the zest’s bright, fresh character. You’ll find them in citrus-scented cleaning products, summer fragrances, and some food flavorings. These terpenes matter because they provide the authentic, uplifting citrus burst that synthetic alternatives often fail to replicate perfectly, making them essential for true-to-nature citrus accords.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Lime oil terpenes Smell Like?
An explosion of freshly peeled limes – piercingly bright, slightly bitter green rind with a juicy, tart sweetness. The opening is all electric citrus peel, like squeezing lime zest between your fingers. As it evolves, a greener, almost leafy undertone emerges, with a faint woody dryness in the far dry-down. Unlike whole lime oil, the terpene fraction lacks the heavier, sweeter base notes, making it ideal when you want pure, volatile citrus impact without weight.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its razor-sharp citrus opening that defines this classic cologne, blending with rosemary and basil for a Mediterranean freshness.
Provides the photorealistic lime burst in the top notes, contrasting with sweeter apple and cedar base for a summer-in-a-bottle effect.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Lime oil terpenes consist primarily of monoterpenes (limonene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene) and sesquiterpenes distilled from cold-pressed Citrus aurantifolia oil. The fractionation process removes oxygenated compounds like citral, leaving behind the most volatile hydrocarbon components. These terpenes are typically obtained through fractional distillation under vacuum to preserve their fresh character. Being hydrocarbon-rich, they exhibit excellent stability compared to whole lime oil but lack the complexity of oxygenated constituents.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Range | 150-180 °C |
| Flash Point | ~50 °C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | For bright citrus openings |
| Household Cleaners | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Provides fresh scent without residue |
Classic Accords
Tip: Stabilize with antioxidants like BHT to prevent oxidation of terpenes during storage.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When you need just the sweet orange aspect without lime’s green bitterness, though lacks complexity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Limonene content may require allergen labeling.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥0.1% in leave-on products) requiring EU allergen labeling.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers lime oil terpenes safe at current use levels based on lime oil safety assessment.
Sustainability
Sourced as a byproduct of lime juice production, utilizing peel waste. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the natural freshness. Carbon footprint depends on lime cultivation practices – seek producers using integrated pest management to reduce environmental impact.
Explore Lime oil terpenes
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68917-71-5Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Related Research
- Pine, Pinus pumila, oil (CAS 97676-05-06) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
- Benzyl phenylacetate (CAS 102-16-9) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
- 4-(1-Methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylcyclohexene (CAS 14576-08-0) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
- 8-Undecenal (CAS 58296-81-4) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
