vetiver oil terpenes

Vetiver oil terpenes are a complex mixture of terpenes and terpenoids extracted primarily from the essential oil of Vetiveria zizanoides roots. These compounds are characterized by a medium-strength rooty odor with woody, amber, and balsamic nuances. Known under synonyms like vetiver terpenes and vetivert oil terpenes, they contribute key olfactory traits in many fragrance compositions. The material's properties, including solubility in alcohols and a high flash point, enable its use in diverse formulations. The chemical group is represented in controlled-vocabulary databases such as PubChem, linking to detailed chemical and toxicological data. Typically sourced via steam distillation of vetiver roots, this profile forms the basis for its application in perfumery and related industries.

Vetiver oil terpenes originate naturally from the roots of Vetiveria zizanoides, a tropical grass found in Asia and parts of Africa. Their composition includes a range of sesquiterpenes and related molecules responsible for complex earthy and woody aromas. These terpenes are widely utilized as fragrance agents in perfumery and personal care products, contributing amber, balsamic, mossy, sandalwood, and woody facets. The IFRA (Global) Code of Practice specifies usage recommendations, allowing up to 8% concentration in fragrance concentrates. Due to limited flavor safety data, they are not recommended for flavor applications. Their stability and solubility properties suit their use in alcohol-based fragrance formulations and blends requiring long-lasting scent profiles.

Vetiver oil terpenes exhibit a high flash point near 93°C (200°F by Tag closed cup method), indicating relative stability in formulation processes involving heat. The material shows solubility in alcohol, facilitating its use in common perfumery solvents, whereas it has minimal water solubility, approximately 2.148 mg/L at 25°C, affecting its dispersion behavior. These physicochemical characteristics influence evaporation rates and substantivity, contributing to a notable fragrance longevity measured around 384 hours at full concentration. The waxy and balsamic traits align with the chemical structure of sesquiterpenes, which combine volatility with persistence, making them valuable in creating deep, woody, and amber-rich scent accords.

Export Tariff Code:	3301.26.0000
Wikipedia:	View
FAO:	BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STEAM DISTILLATION

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for vetiver oil terpenes usage levels up to:
	8.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for vetiver oil terpenes flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):68917-65-7

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

Chemidplus:0068917657