Description |
d-Limonene has a pleasant, lemon-like odors free from campho raceous and turpentine-like. d-Limonene may be obtained by steam distillation of citrus peels and pulp resulting from the pro duction of juice and cold-pressed oils, or from deterpenation of citrus oils; it is sometimes redistilled.
The most important and widespread terpene; it is known in the el and I- optically active forms and in the optically inactive dl-form (known as dipentene); it has been reported found in more than 300 essential oils in amounts ranging from 90 - 95% (lemon, orange, mandarin) to as low as 1% (palmarosa);1 the most widespread form is the d-limonene, followed by the racemic form, and then ι- limonene. |
Chemical Properties |
d-, l- or dl-Limonene has a pleasant, lemon-like odor free from camphoraceous and turpentine-like notes. Limonene is the most important and widespread terpene; it is known in the d- and l- optically active forms and in the optically inactive dl-form (known as dipentene). |
Chemical Properties |
colourless liquid |
Occurrence |
It has been reported found in more than 300 essential oils in amounts ranging from 90 to 95% (lemon, orange, mandarin) to as low as 1% (palmarosa); the most widespread form is the d-limonene, followed by the racemic form and then l-limo nene. Also reported found in ginger, nutmeg, pepper, mace, hop oil, coriander seed, calamus, dill herb, caraway seed and rosemary. |
Preparation |
d-Limonene may be obtained by steam distillation of citrus peels and pulp resulting from the production of juice and cold pressed oils, or from deterpenation of citrus oils; it is sometimes redistilled. |
Definition |
ChEBI: An optically active form of limonene having (4R)-configuration. |
Aroma threshold values |
Detection: 4 to 229 ppb |
Taste threshold values |
Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: sweet, orange, citrus and terpy. |
General Description |
Clear colorless mobile liquid with a pleasant lemon-like odor. |
Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. |
Reactivity Profile |
(+)-Dipentene is sensitive to exposure to light. Atmospheric oxidation can occur. (+)-Dipentene is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. (+)-Dipentene reacts violently with (iodine pentafluoride + tetrafluoroethylene). With dry hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide, (+)-Dipentene forms monohalides. With aqueous hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide, (+)-Dipentene forms the dihalide. |
Fire Hazard |
(+)-Dipentene is combustible. |
Agricultural Uses |
Insecticide, Animal and insect repellant, Slimicide: Used as an insecticide, insect repellent, and animal repellent. Not listed for use in EU countries. Registered for use in the U.S., Canada and other countries. There are 49 global suppliers. |
Trade name |
BUGAWAY®[C]; BUGCHASER®[C]; CARVENE®; DOO-NOT®; HOLIDAY FIRE ANT KILLER® |
Contact allergens |
d-Limonene is contained in Citrus species such as citrus, orange, mandarin, and bergamot. d-limonene, used as a solvent, may be found in cleansing or in degreasing agents. Its sensitizing potential increases with prolonged air contact, which induces oxidation and leads to oxidation products. The presence of d-limonene has to be mentioned by name in cosmetics of the EU. |