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.