Beta-pinene

Uses in perfumery :

Beta-Pinene is used in terpenic, woody and coniferous accords, to provide a fresh, lemony, pine needle facet.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Natural availability :

Beta-Pinene is present in citrus raw materials (Lemon EO, Bergamot EO, Sweet Orange EO), in spices (Black Pepper EO, Elemi EO, Nutmeg EO), in Galbanum EO and in Turpentine EO. This molecule can be extracted by fractional distillation of all these essential oils.

Isomerism :

Beta-Pinene has two enantiomers, laevorotatory and dextrorotatory, both used in perfumery. Both isomers have a similar smell, although the dextrorotatory isomer is sweeter. Alpha-Pinene is more camphorated and less woody than beta-Pinene.

Synthesis precursor :

Beta-Pinene is a precursor for the synthesis of Myrcene by pyrolysis. Moreover, an addition of formaldehyde on this compound forms nopol. Nopyl acetate is used in perfumery.

Synthesis route :

The synthesis of Beta-Pinene is less common than its extraction from Turpentine EO. This extraction is done by a fractional distillation.

Stability :

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

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.

Allergens :

This ingredient is classified as an allergen under European Regulation 2023/1545, dated August 26, 2023.
Its presence must therefore be declared on product labels when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Signal word :

Danger

Hazard pictograms :

Precautionary statements :

IFRA 51^th :

This ingredient is not restricted for the 51th amendment