terpinolene

chemical compound

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July 14, 2026

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Terpinolene is a liquid monocyclic terpene hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆. It is found in some essential oils and can be synthesized. Terpinolene is also known as 1,4(8)-para-menthadiene.1

Monoterpenes, like terpinolene, are volatile oils typically isolated from plant matter through steam distillation. They are less dense than water and have boiling points between 150 to 185 °C (300 to 365 °F). Terpinolene is one of several monocyclic monoterpene hydrocarbons that share the same carbon skeleton but differ in the position of their double bonds. While many monocyclic monoterpene hydrocarbons have limited commercial uses beyond flavorings, related compounds like menthol and terpineol are commercially important. Terpineol, for instance, is a fragrant alcohol used in perfumes and as a solvent. Terpinyl acetate, a fragrant ester derived from terpineol or alpha-pinene, is also used in perfumes and soaps.234

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isoprenoid
Monoterpenes
Others of this class are terpinolene, α- and β-phellandrene, and α-, β-, and γ-terpinene, all of which have the same carbon skeleton as limonene and differ only in the location of the two carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Limonene is optically active (it rotates the plane of polarized light), as are most…
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Others of this class are terpinolene, α- and β-phellandrene, and α-, β-, and γ-terpinene, all of which have the same carbon skeleton as limonene and differ only in the location of the two carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Limonene is optically active (it rotates the plane of polarized light), as are most…
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