Orange oil, sweet, terpenes (CAS 68647-72-3) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Sweet

Orange oil, sweet, terpenes

CAS 68647-72-3

Origin
natural
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

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 SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
GRAS for food and fragrance use
Potential phototoxicity at high concentrations
CAS
68647-72-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Sweet
Key Constituents
Limonene
Limonene
Myrcene
Myrcene
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What 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.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Sauvage(Dior, 1966)

Uses sweet orange terpenes for their crisp, refreshing quality that complements the citrus-herbal structure. Provides naturalistic orange peel realism in the top notes.

4711 Original Eau de Cologne(Maurer & Wirtz, 1792)

Orange terpenes form part of the bright citrus bouquet that defines this classic cologne. Their volatility helps create the characteristic fleeting freshness.

Layer 2

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.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to orange liquid
Boiling Point175-180 °C
Flash Point48 °C
Density0.84 g/cm³

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Limonene138-86-3136.231754.21.5 mmHg
Myrcene123-35-3136.231684.11.9 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
High (30-90 min)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Citrus top note component
Household Cleaners0.5-2%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

1
Orange Terpenes (Deterpenated) CAS 68647-72-3

Higher concentration of oxygenated compounds for more tenacious orange character with less volatility.

Layer 3

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

H315 Skin irritation H317 Skin sensitization

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

  1. Dugo, G., & Di Giacomo, A. (2002). Citrus Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9780849313670

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68647-72-3
Data Sources & Attribution
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.

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