Orange oil, sweet, folded (CAS 8008-57-9) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Orange oil, sweet, folded
CAS 8008-57-9
What Is Orange oil, sweet, folded?
Sweet orange oil is a bright, citrusy essential oil extracted from orange peels. You’ll find it in everything from household cleaners to gourmand perfumes and dessert flavorings. This cheerful ingredient matters because it bridges fresh and sweet categories, offering perfumers a versatile top note that’s universally appealing.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Orange oil, sweet, folded Smell Like?
A burst of sun-warmed orange groves – juicy, sweet, and slightly green. The initial zesty top notes of limonene dominate, like peeling a ripe Valencia orange. As it settles, softer floral undertones emerge with hints of neroli-like complexity. The dry-down reveals a delicate waxy sweetness reminiscent of orange blossom honey, never cloying but persistently cheerful. Folded versions intensify the sweeter, less volatile components for better longevity.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the radiant citrus opening that defines this classic cologne, balanced with rosemary and basil for a Mediterranean freshness.
Showcases the ingredient’s full spectrum from zesty top to honeyed base, amplified with jasmine and tonka bean.
Combines with lemon and bergamot in this historic cologne formula that pioneered citrus freshness.
Used as a sparkling counterpoint to the rose and sandalwood heart, preventing the composition from becoming too heavy.
Forms part of the bright citrus-herbaceous accord that made this unisex fragrance revolutionary.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sweet orange oil is primarily composed of limonene (90-95%), with smaller amounts of myrcene, linalool, and citral. Cold pressing the fruit peel releases the oil from specialized secretory cavities. ‘Folded’ oils undergo fractional distillation to remove volatile terpenes, concentrating oxygenated compounds like decanal and sinensal that contribute to the sweeter, more persistent aroma. The exact composition varies by cultivar, with Brazilian oils typically higher in valencene compared to Mediterranean sources.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 175-178 °C |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
| Density | 0.842-0.846 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.472-1.474 |
| Optical Rotation | +94° to +99° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.23 | 175 | 4.2 | 1.5 mmHg |
| Myrcene | 123-35-3 | 136.23 | 167 | 4.2 | 2.1 mmHg |
| Linalool | 78-70-6 | 154.25 | 198 | 2.7 | 0.16 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Provides sparkling citrus openings |
| Functional Products | 0.5-1% | Up to 3% | Adds freshness to cleaners |
| Flavors | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Food-grade applications |
| Candles | 3-6% | Up to 8% | Bright citrus note |
Classic Accords
Tip: Stabilize with antioxidants like BHT to prevent oxidation of terpenes which can create off-notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Terpene fraction with higher limonene content when you need maximum freshness without sweetness.
Softer, more floral alternative with less sharpness, better for delicate compositions.
For situations requiring precise lemon-orange character without volatile terpenes.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards. Limonene content requires allergen labeling above 100 ppm.
EU Allergen Declaration
Must be declared if limonene content exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products (EU Regulation No. 1223/2009).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels (2015 evaluation).
Sustainability
Brazil dominates production, with sustainability challenges around water use in processing. Cold-pressing generates less waste than steam distillation. Some brands now offer carbon-neutral certified oils. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full spectrum of natural oil’s complexity.
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References
- Dugo, G., & Di Giacomo, A. (2002). Citrus Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9780367394215
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier. ISBN 9780443062414
- PubChem Orange Oil CID 14896
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8008-57-9Odor & Flavor
| From leaves; Small, Whole Unripe Fruits; Twigs; and Flowers: Petitgrain oil of sweet orange can be obtained from the above by steam distillation. Its production is low because of its limited application (perfumery). From Fruit (Peels): Sweet orange essential oil is extracted from peels of partially ripened fruits in 0.4 to 0.5% yields using suitable machinery for the rupturing of the oil-bearing cells (expression). A less valuable quality of essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of peels. Sweet orange oil has a characteristic odor and typical aromatic flavor. The cold-pressed sweet orange oil is obtained by expression, without the use of heat, from the fresh peel of the ripe fruit. It has a characteristic odor and taste of the outer part of fresh, sweet orange peel. -📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
