Terpinyl acetate (Isomer mixture) (CAS 8007-35-0) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Terpinyl acetate (Isomer mixture)
CAS 8007-35-0
What Is Terpinyl acetate (Isomer mixture)?
Terpinyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly found in household cleaners, air fresheners, and some perfumes. It imparts a fresh, herbal scent reminiscent of pine needles with a hint of citrus. This versatile compound helps create natural-smelling forest and citrus accords without relying on expensive essential oils, making it valuable for both fine fragrances and functional products.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Terpinyl acetate (Isomer mixture) Smell Like?
Terpinyl acetate bursts with a crisp, coniferous freshness – imagine crushing pine needles underfoot on a cool morning, with a surprising citrusy lift like lemon zest rubbed against cedar bark. The top notes carry a slightly metallic sharpness that quickly mellows into a rounded herbal heart, recalling thyme and bay leaf. In drydown, it leaves a clean woody trace with faint floral undertones, behaving like a more refined cousin of α-pinene without the turpentine roughness.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a key synthetic pine note to create the fragrance’s iconic Mediterranean forest character, blending with rosemary and lavender for a crisp masculine freshness.
Provides subtle woody-green undertones that support the violet leaf and iris, adding dimensionality to the fragrance’s aristocratic outdoorsmanship.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Terpinyl acetate is a mixture of isomeric esters formed by the acetylation of terpineol, primarily α-terpinyl acetate. The commercial product typically contains 60-70% α-isomer with varying amounts of γ-terpinyl acetate and other minor components. Industrially produced via acid-catalyzed esterification of terpineol with acetic anhydride, the isomer distribution depends on the terpineol feedstock and reaction conditions. The α-isomer exhibits greater olfactory potency with its characteristic pine-citrus character, while γ-isomer contributes more herbal nuances.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 220 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.953-0.962 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.464-1.468 |
| Flash Point | 96 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used as fresh woody modifier |
| Functional Products | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Air fresheners and cleaners |
| Soaps | 0.3-1% | Up to 1.5% | Provides lasting freshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent harshness in pine-type fragrances.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar pine character with less citrus and more camphoraceous notes, useful for heavier woody compositions.
Provides sharper pine top notes but lacks the ester smoothness and has higher volatility.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under current IFRA standards (as of 2023).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels with margin of safety.
Sustainability
As a fully synthetic material, terpinyl acetate production doesn’t impact natural pine forest resources. Modern manufacturing processes achieve high atom efficiency in esterification reactions, minimizing waste. Being petroleum-derived, its sustainability depends on the carbon footprint of feedstock suppliers implementing green chemistry practices.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). IFRA Website
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8007-35-0Physical 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.
