Terpinen-4-ol (CAS 562-74-3) — Woody Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Terpinen-4-ol
CAS 562-74-3
What Is Terpinen-4-ol?
Terpinen-4-ol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in many essential oils, particularly tea tree oil. People encounter it in aromatherapy products, skincare formulations, and natural cleaning solutions. This compound matters because it contributes antimicrobial properties while delivering a fresh, woody-citrus aroma that’s widely appreciated in personal care products.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Terpinen-4-ol Smell Like?
Terpinen-4-ol presents a crisp, herbaceous opening with distinct woody undertones reminiscent of freshly split cedar. The initial sharpness mellows into a clean, slightly medicinal character akin to eucalyptus, though softer and more rounded. As it dries down, it reveals subtle peppery nuances that blend seamlessly with its core pine-like freshness. The overall effect is refreshingly camphoraceous without being harsh, making it ideal for creating natural-smelling herbal accords.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Terpinen-4-ol provides the characteristic medicinal-clean signature of tea tree oil, creating the fragrance’s antiseptic freshness that defines this cult-favorite product.
Used here for its revitalizing herbal character, blending with citrus and spice notes to create an energizing aromatic experience.
The compound’s crisp medicinal quality enhances the cooling mint sensation while providing natural antimicrobial credibility.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)C1(O)CCC(C)=CC1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Terpinen-4-ol is a monoterpenoid alcohol with the molecular formula C10H18O. It exists naturally as the (-)-enantiomer in tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and other essential oils. Industrially, it’s produced through fractional distillation of natural oils or by hydration of terpinene. The molecule features a tertiary alcohol group on a p-menthane skeleton, making it relatively stable compared to other terpenes. Its antimicrobial activity stems from this alcohol group’s ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 209 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.931 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.477 |
| Flash Point | 88 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Care | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Antimicrobial functional fragrance |
| Household Cleaners | 1-3% | Up to 10% | Fresh herbal character with cleaning benefits |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with citrus top notes to brighten its herbal character while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar woody character but with more floral lilac notes and less medicinal sharpness.
Softer floral alternative when less medicinal character is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Generally recognized as safe for use in fragrances.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated terpinen-4-ol as safe for current fragrance use levels.
Sustainability
Primarily sourced sustainably from tea tree plantations in Australia. Synthetic production exists but is less common due to abundant natural supply. The natural form is preferred in green formulations for its renewable origin and biodegradability.
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References
- Carson et al. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. PMC1360273
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 562-74-3Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 209 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.399 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 26.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0346💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.079💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1=CCC(CC1)(C(C)C)O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.6 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrusgreensweetwoody• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcoholalkene💻 RDKit |
| “Warm-peppery, mildly earthy, musty-woody odor of moderate tenacity. The earthy-musty notes are pleasantly green.”📖 Arctander | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “fume chemistry and creative perfumery. It is now being used quite widely, not only in artificial Geranium, Pepper, Rose and other oils, but in many soap perfumes, perfume specialties and bases, and in flavor compositions. The use in flavors is mainly concentrated upon Citrus and Spice compositions, ”📖 Arctander |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 4.5827 ppm (n=8)📖 van Gemert |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2248⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 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.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4044824
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 154.253 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.928 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 210.429 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -25.65 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 80.092 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.485 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 165.26 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.214 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.167 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.167 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.16 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.01 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.279 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 6.982 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.772 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 131.079 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 47.339 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 18.766 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
