alpha-Terpineol can be sourced in two ways: naturally, through distillation from tree extracts, or synthetically, by isolating it from essential oils. It is widely used as a key component in fragrances such as lilac and lime. alpha-Terpineol also serves as a raw material for synthesizing other aromatic chemicals.
Industrially, alpha-Terpineol is produced either by dehydrating terpin hydrate or by directly hydrating the terpene hydrocarbons found in Gum turpentine oil. When synthesized, it often contains isomers such as β-Terpineol and γ-Terpineol.
Terpineol MU is a monoterpene alcohol compound, which is derived from the hydration of alpha-Pinene or Gum Turpentine. There are three isomers, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-terpineol, Terpineol is usually a mixture of these isomers with alpha-terpineol as the major constituent.
The MU grade is mainly used in medical disinfectants.
In the field of medical disinfection, α -Terpineol is used for sterilization in medical formulations such as disinfectant and sterilization products. It has significant effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. According to the research1, Terpineol MU has been on human skin for 2 minutes, the average killing rate of natural bacteria on the skin surface can reach 98.46%.
- Experimental Observation on Disinfection Property of Compound Terpineol Skin – Disinfection Solution, 2006
Terpineol is naturally found in pine oil, lavender oil, orange leaf oil, neroli oil and other plant oils.
α-Terpineol, β-Terpineol, γ-Terpineol, and terpinen-4-ol are four isomers of terpineol. α-terpineol is the major component.
Terpineol is a viscous liquid with pine-like and clove-like odor.
Terpineol is widely used in the fragrance formulation, especially in soaps and synthetic detergent.