Hydrocarbons, terpene processing by-products (CAS 68956-56-9) — Woody N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Citrus

Hydrocarbons, terpene processing by-products

CAS 68956-56-9

Origin
synthetic
Note
N/A
IFRA
Professional use
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Hydrocarbons, terpene processing by-products?

Hydrocarbons from terpene processing are industrial by-products used as solvents or in fragrance bases. These are not direct consumer ingredients but may appear in diluted forms in cleaning products or technical applications. Their importance lies in cost-effective utilization of waste streams from essential oil refinement, though they lack the aromatic qualities of pure terpenes.

Safety Profile

PROFESSIONAL USE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
⚠ Requires proper ventilation
✗ Not for direct consumer applications
CAS
68956-56-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Hydrocarbons, terpene processing by-products Smell Like?

This material typically has a faint, nondescript hydrocarbon character with occasional residual terpenic notes depending on source materials. Lacking distinct top/middle/base evolution, it may carry traces of pine or citrus from precursor terpenes, but primarily functions as an odorless diluent or solvent in industrial contexts.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A complex mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons derived as by-products during terpene purification processes. Composition varies based on feedstock (often α-pinene, limonene or dipentene) and processing methods (distillation, hydrogenation). May contain dimers, trimers and rearrangement products from thermal treatment of terpenes. Lacks defined molecular structure due to variable composition.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilityInsoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
N/A
Volatility
Variable
Blending
Technical use only
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial solvents50-100%N/ACarrier for technical applications
Fragrance bases5-15%Up to 25%Diluent in functional fragrances

Classic Accords

Tip: Primarily functions as cost-effective solvent rather than aromatic material.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
D-Limonene CAS 5989-27-5

For aromatic terpene character instead of by-product mixture.

2
Mineral oil CAS 8042-47-5

Alternative hydrocarbon solvent with more consistent composition.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (2023).

GHS Classification

H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways H315 Causes skin irritation

RIFM Assessment

Not individually assessed by RIFM due to variable composition.

Sustainability

Represents industrial upcycling of terpene processing waste, though energy-intensive refinement may offset environmental benefits. Synthetic origin reduces agricultural impact but depends on petrochemical inputs for terpene production. Proper disposal required to prevent hydrocarbon pollution.

Explore Hydrocarbons, terpene processing by-products

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Erman, W.F. (1985). Chemistry of the Monoterpenes. Marcel Dekker.
  2. IFRA Standards Library (2023). IFRA

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

Report a data error

Perfumer’s Notes

Similar Posts