Delta-3-Carene

Other comments :

Delta-3-Carene is a monoterpene. This means, as for D-Limonene, that this molecule is composed of two isoprene units, and therefor ten carbon atoms and sixteen hydrogens. This category of terpenes includes many isomer.

Stability :

Terpenes tend to polymerize under the effect of high oxydation, and are unstable in alkaline and acidic bases.

Uses in perfumery :

Used in spicy, woody and citrus notes, for a spicy effect. Mainly used in functionnal perfumery, in detergence and in masculine cosmetic products. Not so used in its isolated form.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Delta-3-Carene can either be levorotatory and dextrorotatory. In general, its racemic mixture is used in perfumery, as there is no major olfactory difference between the two enantiomers of the molecule.

Synthesis precursor :

Delta-3-Carene is used in a synthesis way of L-Menthol. Delta-3-Carene is extracted from Indian Turpentine EO (contains 55 to 65%), to be then polymerized into trans-2,8-para-menthadiene. Isomerization, followed by hydrogenation and epoxidation are then necessary to obtain L-Menthol.

Natural availability :

Often, the presence of a large quantity of Delta-3-Carene indicates the use of Black Pepper EO in a fragrance. Delta-3-Carene is also present in a large quantity in Indian Turpentine EO (55 to 65%), and to a lesser extent in Galbanum EO (2 to 16%), Angelica Root EO, Cypress EO, Firbalsam Absolute, Cedarwood Alaska EO and Blackcurrant Bud Absolute among others.

Synthesis route :

Delta-3-Carene is usually obtained naturally. Nevertheless, terpenes are often synthesized by Diels-Alder reactions, starting from Isoprene and reacting two types of molecules called diene (e.g. isoprene) and dienophile (molecule with a carbon double bond).