petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes

Petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes are a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds derived from the essential oil of mandarin leaves and twigs. These terpenes belong to the class of natural fragrance materials known for their characteristic citrus and fresh petitgrain aroma. The oil exhibits a light orange-yellow to greenish appearance with a distinctive sharp and sweet citrus scent, reminiscent of tangerine and grape nuances. Synonymous names include mandarin petitgrain oil terpenes. Petitgrain oils are widely utilized in perfumery and flavor industries for their fresh woody-citrus notes. The compound profile can be explored further in public databases such as PubChem. The terpenes are typically obtained via steam distillation from mandarin foliage, a process leveraging both traditional and modern extraction methods to preserve the integrity of the volatile constituents.

Petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes naturally occur as components of mandarin essential oil collected from the Citrus reticulata plant. These compounds contribute significantly to the characteristic fragrance of petitgrain oils, which are appreciated for their fresh, green, and citrusy notes useful in various aromatic formulations. Their primary application is as fragrance agents in perfumes, toiletries, cosmetics, and household products, where they enhance citrus and tangerine scent profiles. According to IFRA (Global) standards, careful consideration is required due to minor phototoxic furocoumarin content, particularly bergapten, which mandates usage limits to ensure consumer safety in fragranced products. Their non-flavor use classification aligns with safety guidelines and industry practices for essential oils containing phototoxic constituents.

Petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes possess physical and chemical characteristics important for formulation stability and handling. The specific gravity ranges from 0.86 to 0.895 at 25 °C, indicating a density slightly less than water, typical for essential oil fractions. Their refractive index between 1.475 and 1.4895 at 20 °C reflects the presence of multiple terpene compounds contributing to light refraction patterns. The flash point is approximately 52 °C (125 °F), necessitating appropriate storage away from ignition sources. These terpenes are soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water, consistent with the lipophilic nature of most essential oil components. Shelf life is about 12 months or longer if stored correctly in sealed containers shielded from heat and light, conditions that minimize oxidative degradation and preserve odor integrity during prolonged storage.

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
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
IFRA Critical Effect:
Phototoxicity
IFRA fragrance material specification:
	The following essential oils contain small amounts of phototoxic furocoumarins. These levels are not high enough to require special restrictions if used alone, but if used in combination with one or the other phototoxic essential oil, attention should be paid that the total level of bergapten (5-MOP) in the consumer product does not exceed 15 ppm. It is the responsibility of fragrance manufacturers to ensure that the level is observed. Typical levels of 5-MOP are the following: Petitgrain Mandarin oil - 50 ppm.
Recommendation for petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes usage levels up to:
	10.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for petitgrain mandarin oil terpenes flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

WISER:UN 1993

WGK Germany:3