alpha-Terpineol
Agent Name
alpha-Terpineol
CAS Number
98-55-5
Formula
C10-H18-O
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
1-Menthene-8-ol; 1-p-Menthen-8-ol; 2-(4-Methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)-2-propanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,alpha,4-trimethyl-; PC 593; Terpenol; Terpineol 350; Terpineol schlechthin; alpha,alpha,4-Trimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol; alpha-Terpineol (natural); p-Menth-1-en-8-ol; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Wood Dusts & Extracts
Description
White solid with an odor of lilac; [HSDB] Some forms are liquid; [Merck Index] White low melting solid; mp = 31-32 deg C; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
A major ingredient of pine oil disinfectants; Used as a fragrance in perfumes and soaps, fat denaturant for soap manufacturing, synthetic flavoring agent, organic solvent, antioxidant, and antiseptic; [HSDB]
Comments
Histopathological changes observed in lungs of horses surviving IV injection; Moderately irritating to rabbit skin; Skin sensitization reported in two patients, but no positive reactions in volunteers or guinea pigs; Terpineols: Eye and mucous membrane irritants and CNS depressants; Emergency treatment: "Pine oil"; [HSDB] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] Severely irritating to skin of mice and mildly irritating to rabbit skin; Causes flaccid paralysis, somnolence, and ataxia in oral studies of rats at >2900 mg/kg; Changes to liver and dehydrogenase levels observed in intermittent 30-day feeding study of rats; [RTECS] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] No information available on reproduction or lactation effects; [REPROTOX]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.0423 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: