Quick Facts

Name: Gamma Terpinene
Chemical Name: 1, 4-Cyclohexadiene, 1-Methyl-4-(1-Methylethyl)
Chemical Formula: C8H14O4
Appearance: clear colourless
Molecular weight: 174.22
Odour: Citrusy alike
Specific gravity: 0.845 to 0.850 AT 25°C
GLC Purity: 80%
Refractive Index: 1.465 to 1.475 AT 20°C
Colour: colourless

Y-Terpinine which is also known as terpinolene is natural and has been isolated from many plant sources. Terpinenes are a group of isomeric hydrocarbons which are termed as terpenes. Alpha terpinene is extracted from cardamom and marjoram oils and many other natural sources. It is a perfume and flavouring chemical used in the cosmetic and food industries. Beta terpinene is not present in any natural source and is prepared synthetically from sabinene. Gamma terpinene is an odour agent and is used in many air care products, cleaning and furnishing care products, laundry and dishwashing products and personal care products, fabric softeners, shampoos, deodorants body wash, industrial cleaners etc. It is widely used in flavour and fragrance for reconstitution and extension of citrus oils.

Presence in many Essential oils

Y-terpinine is widely seen in oil of Savin, American wormseed, ocimun viride and Ceylon cardamom. It has a characteristic lemon odour of low obstinacy and is slightly bitter and herb and citrus like to taste. The chemical name of y-terpinine is 1, 4-Cyclohexadiene, 1-Methyl-4-(1-Methylethyl). Its presence in cinnamon oil is huge and it is used as an antioxidant. The presence of antioxidants in cinnamon like camphene, proanthocyanidins, linalyl-acetate, myrcene, gamma-terpinene, methyl-eugenol, epicatechin, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, isoeugenol, mannitol, phenol and vanillan makes it a popular essential oil. It is advised not to consume cinnamon or anything with gamma terpinene during pregnancy. Oregano essential oil also contains gamma terpinene as an important component. It also contains alpha-pinene and many other components to make it a precious essential oil.

Present in Fruits

Gamma terpinene is also present in grapes, celery, cumin seeds, ginger, pepper and tea and it is a monoterpene. It is used widely in the preparation of artificial lemon and peppermint essential oil. It is used as food ingredient and it is popular among the pharmaceutical manufacturers and perfume producers. It has very low Fenchone and Limonene content. Gamma terpinene is not rated as potentially toxic and harmful and it is designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food. The other names of gamma terpinene are 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4- (1-methylethyl) - (9ci), 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 1-methyl-4-isopropyl-, 1-methyl-4-isopropylcyclohexadiene-1,4, Crithmene, moslene etc.