Terpineol (CAS 8000-41-7) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Terpineol
CAS 8000-41-7
What Is Terpineol?
Terpineol is a fragrant alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, air fresheners, and perfumes. It contributes a fresh, pine-like scent with floral undertones. This versatile ingredient matters because it helps create long-lasting, balanced fragrances while being gentle enough for household products.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Terpineol Smell Like?
Terpineol greets the nose with a crisp, pine-needle freshness that quickly softens into a lilac-like floral heart. The dry-down reveals subtle woody undertones reminiscent of freshly sanded cedar. Unlike sharper pine scents, terpineol maintains a rounded, almost creamy quality that prevents harshness. In dilution, it develops a delicate sweetness akin to lily of the valley, making it surprisingly versatile beyond its initial coniferous impression.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Terpineol provides the signature pine accord that defines this classic masculine fragrance, blending freshness with floral depth to prevent the scent from becoming overly sharp or medicinal.
Used subtly to enhance the violet leaf accord, terpineol adds a naturalistic woody-floral nuance that bridges the citrus top and sandalwood base.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Terpineol exists as four isomeric forms (α, β, γ, and δ), with α-terpineol being the most common in fragrances. This monoterpenoid alcohol is typically synthesized from pinene or limonene through acid-catalyzed hydration. The chiral centers in α-terpineol contribute to its nuanced scent profile, with the (-)-isomer occurring naturally in pine oils and cardamom.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 219 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.935 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 90 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Used for pine/floral accords |
| Household Cleaners | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Provides fresh scent without harshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use terpineol to soften harsh woody notes and add natural depth to floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For sharper pine effects without floral character. Lacks terpineol’s blending versatility but provides stronger top notes.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all categories.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Synthetic production from turpentine derivatives makes terpineol more sustainable than extraction from natural sources. The manufacturing process has relatively low environmental impact compared to some fragrance ingredients.
Explore Terpineol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. DOI 10.1002/3527600214
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8000-41-7Physical 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.
