Get to Know a Cannabis Terpene: α-terpineol
’Tis the season that terpineol fills the air !
α-terpineol is the most common of the four known terpineol isomers. Like many of my favorite terpenes, it has two scent profiles: α-terpineol in strong concentrations smells of pine, while when it’s more dilute it has a lilac-like scent. This makes it extremely useful in perfumery. Its long-lasting scent is part of the reason it’s included in so many holiday candles. Because of its presence in the pine smoke that is used to prepare lapsang souchong tea, it’s one of its primary aroma constituents. If you’ve never had a cup of lapsang souchong, I recommend the experience. Even a single experience of that variety of tea has a lot to teach fans of terpenes.
In Arctander’s reference volume “Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin,” he explains that “α-terpineol is one of the most commonly used of all perfume chemicals… As a basic component in lilac perfumes and a major component of many varieties of Pine fragrances (lower grades of Terpineol will usually suffice) as common ingredient of Fougeres, Apple blossoms, fragrances for household products, soaps, detergents, etc. it has very little competition.”
Arctander also explains that in the United States, terpineol is industrially derived from pine oil, while in Europe it’s derived via synthetic processing of turpentine.
In addition to being synthesized from pinene, α-terpineol can also be synthesized from limonene.
General Uses
Its interesting properties make it useful in a variety of perfumery applications. Because when it’s dilute it has a floral scent, it can be found in scents that evoke strawberry, anise, cherry, raspberry, bergamot, citrus, and grape as well as pine. Because of its versatility, it has a long list of fragrance uses. It also has high stability across a range of products that includes deodorant, fabric softener, alcohol-based lotions, and others.
Some patents include it in flavoring for an anti-microbial mouth rinse. A patent for agave-based spirits includes mention of alpha-terpineol after the fermentation process. As with other terpenes, α-terpineol has been used in the advancement of materials science, and it’s included in a terpene-based resin for a golf ball. Its citrus flavor means it’s no surprise that it’s part of a patent application for a sweetener. Because of its smell and other useful properties, it should be of no surprise that it’s also included in a food contact surface sanitizer.
Medical Uses
A series of α-terpineol derivatives were identified as having promise as anti-asthma agents.
In Cannabis
Terpineol can be found in a wide variety of strains, such as Girl Scout Cookies and Jack Herer, but the best way to be sure that you are experiencing terpineol is to purchase from farms and laboratories that perform full testing that you trust.
Other Info
Boiling Point: 424°F
Other Sources: Ajowan, Protium heptaphyllum, anise, allspice, apple, apricot, basil, bergamot, cassia, celery leaf, cinnamon, angelica, bay leaf, blueberry, buchu, cabbage, blood orange, cassia leaf, celery, chamomile — the list goes on and on!
Scents: lilac, pine, terpenic, woody, citrus
Flavors: citrus, woody, lemon, lime, soap
Article Sources:
www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1011252.html
Arctander, Steffen. : Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960
Originally published at https://oregoncannabisgazette.com.