FlavScents AInsights Entry for Terpinolene (CAS: 586-62-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Terpinolene
- IUPAC Name: 1-Methyl-4-(propan-2-ylidene)cyclohexene
- CAS Number: 586-62-9
- FEMA Number: 3044
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
- Molecular Formula: C10H16
- Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Terpinolene is a monoterpene with a cyclohexene ring and an isopropylidene group, contributing to its characteristic piney, citrusy aroma. Its structure is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Terpinolene is characterized by a fresh, piney aroma with citrus and herbal undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a high diffusion rate, making it effective as an impact note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations. Terpinolene is typically used to add a sense of freshness and complexity to both flavors and fragrances, often serving as a background realism enhancer or a modifier.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Terpinolene is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those from sage, rosemary, and conifers like pine. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, which leads to the formation of monoterpenes. Terpinolene's presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Terpinolene is utilized in a range of flavor categories, including citrus, herbal, and spice. It functions as a flavor enhancer and modifier, providing a fresh, piney note that complements other flavor components. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. Terpinolene is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, terpinolene is incorporated into various fragrance families, such as fougère, citrus, and woody. It serves as a top note due to its high volatility, contributing freshness and complexity. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Terpinolene's volatility makes it suitable for use in products like perfumes, colognes, and air fresheners.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Terpinolene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062.
- United Kingdom: Regulatory status aligns with EU standards post-Brexit.
- Asia: Recognized in Japan and China, with specific use guidelines.
- Latin America: Approved in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to regional regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are in place, though some variability exists in country-specific guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Terpinolene has a high margin of safety for oral consumption, with no adverse effects reported at typical flavor use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing in fragrance applications, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
- Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but occupational safety data indicate low risk under normal use conditions.
Risk profiles are consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Terpinolene is valued for its ability to impart freshness and complexity to formulations. It synergizes well with other terpenes and citrus notes, enhancing overall aroma profiles. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering piney note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired freshness. Formulators should balance terpinolene with complementary ingredients to achieve optimal results.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on terpinolene is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations in use levels may exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines available 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
- 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 2026-04-01 13:37:27 GMT (p2)