Quick Facts

Name: Alpha Pinene
Chemical Name: ALPHA-PINENE; 2-Pinene; Acintene A; .alpha.-Pinene; Pinene isomer; PINENE, alpha Pinene
Chemical Formula: C10H16
Appearance: Clear Colorless Liquid
Molecular Weight: 136.23 g/mol
Odor: Strong, Terpene-Like, Minty
Specific gravity: 0.858 to 0.865 OC
GLC Purity: 95% to 98 % min
Refractive Index: 1.465 to 1.470 OC
Color: Clear Colorless Liquid

Alpha pinene is an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic and it is good for aiding memory. Both alpha pinene and beta pinene are important ingredients of pine resin and it is also found in resin of many other conifers and non-coniferous plants like the big sagebrush. These isomers are used by different kinds of insects in their chemical communication system. Alpha pinene is highly repellant to insects and is widely seen terpenoid in the nature.

Many Uses

Pinene is found in many essential oils as a main component. It is used in production of many perfumes and deodorants. Alpha pinene is a compound of the oils and resins of numerous plants and is mostly seen in coniferous pine trees. The amount of the substance produced depends on the temperature and available sunlight. Alpha pinene is a clear and colorless liquid with the odor of turpentine. This liquid is dense than water and insoluble in water. The vapor produced from this liquid is heavier than air and it is used as a solvent. This is an organic compound of the terpene class and one of the two isomers of pinene. Alpha pinene is an alkaline and it contains a reactive four member ring. Alpha pinene is found in the oils of many kinds of coniferous trees like pine. It is seen in oil of rosemary, eucalyptus oil and orange peel oil. Monoterpenes is one of the major species of alpha pinene and this is emitted in larger amounts by vegetation. This emission affects the temperature and light intensity.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of alpha pinene is C10H16 and molar mass is 136.234. Many of the homeopathy medicines and over the counter remedies contain alpha pinene. Juniper berries, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil contain this chemical compound. Terpentine is rich in alpha and beta pinenes and is used widely in a distilled format for a host of home remedies. Drops of the liquid diluted with milk, wine or water is sued for respiratory ailments and the concoction is considered as an effective expectorant.