MOLECULE

alpha-Terpinene

Alpha-Terpinene is one of four isomers of terpinene (the other three being beta terpinene, gamma terpenine, and delta terpinine or terpimolene) that differ in the position of carbon-carbon double bonds. Alpha-Terpinene belongs to the class of organic compounds known as menthane monoterpenes. These are monoterpenes with a structure based on the o-, m-, or p-menthane backbone. p-Menthane consists of the cyclohexane ring with a methyl group and a (2-methyl)-propyl group at the 1 and 4 ring position, respectively. The o- and m- menthanes are much rarer, and presumably arise by alkyl migration of p-menthanes. alpha-Terpinene is a naturally occurring monoterpene found in allspice, cardamom, and marjoram. alpha-Terpinene is a constituent of many essential oils with oil from Litsea ceylanica being is a major source (20%) of it. alpha-Terpinene has been found in Citrus, Eucalyptus and Juniperus species, and cannabis plants (PMID:6991645). α-Terpinene is a flavouring agent and is produced industrially by acid-catalyzed rearrangement of α-pinene. It has perfume and flavoring properties but is mainly used to confer a pleasant odor to industrial fluids.