Limonene
Limonene is present in citrus essential oils, where its content can reach up to 90%. (−)-Limonene naturally occurs in pine needle oil, turpentine, cajuput oil, and other essential oils. It is a liquid with an orange-like aroma and is obtained by fractionation from terpenes in orange oil.
Limonene has optical isomers, including L-limonene, R-limonene, and the racemic isomer dipentene.
In flavor formulations for personal care products, the content of limonene can be as high as 30%. Limonene is also mainly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of bergamyl esters, carvone, p-cymene, tonalide, and fantolide.
Substance Identification
| Synonyms | 1,8-ρ-Menthadiene | 1-Methyl-4-isopropenyl-1-cyclohexene |
| CAS | 138-86-3 |
| EINECS | 205-341-0 |
| FEMA | 2633 |
| HS.CODE | 294200 |
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 |
Toxicological Information
| LD50 oral, rat | ＞5g/kg |
| LD50 dermal, rabbit | ＞5g/kg |
Application & Uses
- Used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, personal care products, and cosmetics.
- α-Limonene can be used as a substitute for chlorinated solvents in metal degreasing and cleaning processes in the electronics and printing industries. It can also serve as a starting material for the synthesis of terpene resins. In addition, α-limonene is used as a solubilizing agent for gallstones in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Used as an intermediate in the production of terpene resins, carvone, polyester, and rubber chemicals.
- Used as an oil dispersant and metal drying agent.
- Used as a precursor to carvone in chemical synthesis and as a renewable solvent in cleaning products.
Sales Specification
| ITEM | VALUE | TEST METHOD & UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow clear liquid | |
| Odor | Fruity, Cirtus | |
| Purity | 95 min | @G.C, % |
| Distillation Range | 90 min | @170~190°C, % |
| Refractive Index | 1.465 to 1.480 | @n20/D |
| Relative Density | 0.836 to 0.875 | @d20/4 |
Q&A
How does the scent profile of racemic limonene compare with optically active D- and L-limonene in personal care fragrance formulations?
Racemic limonene carries a mixed citrus and woody-pine character because it contains both D- and L-isomers: D-limonene contributes the dominant sweet orange note, whilst L-limonene adds a turpentine-like, piney undertone. The fruity, citrus odour of this 95% grade tends to suit formulations where a complex citrus-woody profile is acceptable, whilst a dedicated D-limonene or L-limonene grade would typically be chosen where a specific, single-enantiomer scent character is required.
In industrial cleaning and degreasing applications, how does this limonene grade relate to the D-limonene commonly referenced in commercial solvent formulations?
Both this product and dedicated D-limonene grades share the C10H16 terpene structure and overlapping solvency for oils, greases, and adhesives, with this grade declared as a substitute for chlorinated solvents in metal degreasing, electronics cleaning, and printing applications. D-limonene (CAS 5989-27-5) is the enantiomer most commonly cited in commercial cleaning formulations, and this product's 95% GC purity with a 170-190°C distillation range tends to provide comparable solvent performance for formulators who do not require a single-enantiomer grade.
How does citrus greening disease affect D-limonene supply, and what sourcing considerations does this limonene product address?
Citrus greening disease (HLB) has significantly reduced orange production in major growing regions such as Florida, contributing to volatility in citrus-derived D-limonene supply and driving buyers to seek alternative sources. The turpentine-derived dipentene scheme, offers a supply source independent of citrus crop cycles for procurement teams seeking diversified sourcing.
Similar Specs
Package
- Galvanized Iron Drum, 145 net each, 80/120 drums per 20’FCL
- Galvanized Iron Drum, 150 net each, 80/120 drums per 20’FCL
- Galvanized Iron Drum, 175 net each, 80/120 drums per 20’FCL
GHS Hazard Statements
UN Number: UN 2052 3/PG 3 | S-phrases: S24 S37 S60 S61 | R-phrases: R10 R38 R43 R50/53Storage
- containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage
- keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place
- store in cool place
Relation Products
Relation Articles
- Dipentene and Limonene: Relationship, Bio‑Sourcing and Market Applications
- [Internal Sharing Session Memo] Differences between Terpene Resins Synthesised from Different Pinene Monomers, Their Applications, and a Discussion on Resin Supply Chain Stability
- Citrus forecast steady as growers await aid
- Dipentene, a low-cost substitute or extender for Citrus D-Limonene
- Terpenes (C5H8)-medicinal molecules and important building blocks in nature
- Hurricane Irma Will Make Orange Juice Unaffordable and Destroy Your Grocery Bill
- ANTI-VIRUS FUNCTION of ESSENTIAL OILS and PLANT EXTRACTS
- Benefits of lemon essential oil and its practical formulation
- Dipentene, an effective, safe, biodegradable cleaning and degreasing material
- Herbicidal composition and method
- Natural Food Preservatives Materials-Terpenes
- R&D on Terpinen-4-ol
- TERPENE ESSENTIAL OILS: The research and development direction of anti-virus drugs is concerned
- Terpenes from Forests and Human Health
- The benefits of Terpenes on health and well-being
- The development trend of food flavor
- What are the natural terpenes
Remark
The above information is believed to be accurate and represents the best explanation currently available to us. However, no liability is assumed for any consequences arising from the use of this content. The technical standards for our products are developed and updated jointly by our customers and ourselves; where any changes occur, the latest specification shall prevail and will be confirmed in the relevant contract.All suggestions and data provided are based on information we consider to be reliable and are offered in good faith, but without any guarantee, as the conditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control. Foreverest® makes no warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness or suitability of this information, and expressly disclaims any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Prospective users should conduct their own tests and evaluations to determine the suitability of Foreverest® materials and any recommendations for their intended applications before adoption, and, where appropriate, should obtain confirmation or approval from the relevant regulatory authorities.Any references in this page to patents or patented technologies, including descriptive material derived from patents or citations of specific patent numbers, are provided for information only. They must not be interpreted as a recommendation to use our products in a manner that could infringe any third‑party patent, nor as a grant of any licence or permission to use patents owned by Foreverest®.
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