Alpha-pinene

Other comments :

In comparision with other terpenes as Beta-Pinene or Gamma-Terpinene, Alpha-Pinene has a fresh woody smell but also is very earthy, on the contrary to the zesty note frequently found for terpenes.

Stability :

Terpenes tend to polymerize by oxydation. Unstable in very alkaline bases as soap, where its smell is not percievable.

Uses in perfumery :

Alpha-Pinene is used in citrus, fruity and coniferous notes for a fresh touch. Allows to increase the neutrality of a natural raw material. Present in most of citrus fruits and conifers.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Alpha-Pinene is more camphorated and less woody than beta-Pinene. D-Limonene, Myrcene, Ocimene and Terpinene are constitutional isomers of Pinene. They are also terpenes but have very different olfactory characteristics. The common point of terpenes is that they can be synthesized from Isoprene by a Diels-Alder reaction.

Synthesis precursor :

Alpha-Pinene is a precursor to the synthesis of many compounds of olfactory interest. A hydrogenation of Pinene converts it into Pinane which is a precursor to several compounds used in perfumery. It can be isomerized to beta-Pinene with a very good yield, to proceed to the synthesis of other compounds. It also allows to synthesize Terpineol by hydration. Finally, it allows to synthesize Ocimene by pyrolysis.

Natural availability :

Alpha-Pinene is mainly obtained by natural means, by fractional distillation of Turpentine EO of which it is the major compound by far.

Synthesis route :

Alpha-Pinene is a compound mainly obtained with natural means: by fractional distillation of essential oils containing a large amount of it.