Orange oil, sweet, terpenes (CAS 68647-72-3) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Orange oil, sweet, terpenes
CAS 68647-72-3
What Is Orange oil, sweet, terpenes?
Sweet orange oil terpenes are the aromatic compounds extracted from orange peels, commonly encountered in citrus-scented cleaning products, perfumes, and flavorings. They provide the bright, fresh top notes in many everyday fragrances. These terpenes matter because they create an instantly recognizable citrus character while being naturally derived, making them popular in both conventional and ‘clean’ fragrance formulations.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Orange oil, sweet, terpenes Smell Like?
A burst of sun-warmed orange peel with juicy, zesty freshness dominates the opening. The terpenes carry a slightly green, bitter nuance beneath the sweetness, like the white pith beneath the peel. As it dries, the scent becomes softer and more floral, with hints of neroli emerging. The drydown retains a clean, slightly waxy citrus character that blends well with other notes.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses sweet orange terpenes for their crisp, refreshing quality that complements the citrus-herbal structure. Provides naturalistic orange peel realism in the top notes.
Orange terpenes form part of the bright citrus bouquet that defines this classic cologne. Their volatility helps create the characteristic fleeting freshness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sweet orange oil terpenes primarily consist of limonene (up to 95%) along with smaller amounts of myrcene, pinene, and other monoterpenes. These hydrocarbons are extracted through cold pressing of orange peels followed by fractional distillation. The terpene profile varies based on orange cultivar and growing conditions, with Brazilian oranges typically having higher limonene content than Mediterranean varieties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to orange liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 175-180 °C |
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
| Density | 0.84 g/cm³ |
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 | 168 | 4.1 | 1.9 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Citrus top note component |
| Household Cleaners | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Freshness booster |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with citrus esters like octyl acetate to enhance juiciness and prolong the citrus character.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Higher concentration of oxygenated compounds for more tenacious orange character with less volatility.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards. Limonene content may require allergen labeling.
EU Allergen Declaration
Limonene content >100ppm requires allergen labeling (CAS 138-86-3)
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety at current use levels in fragrance (2015).
Sustainability
Orange terpenes are a byproduct of orange juice production, utilizing waste peel material. Most supply comes from Brazil and Florida. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the complexity of natural extracts. Cold-pressed extraction has lower environmental impact than steam distillation.
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References
- Dugo, G., & Di Giacomo, A. (2002). Citrus Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9780849313670
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68647-72-3Physical 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.
