Myrcene
Agent Name
Myrcene
CAS Number
123-35-3
Formula
C10-H16
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
1,6-Octadiene, 7-methyl-3-methylene-; 2-Methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadiene; 3-Methylene-7-methyl-1,6-octadiene; 7-Methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene; Myrcene (natural); [ChemIDplus] UN2319
Category
Terpenes
Description
Yellow liquid with a pleasant odor; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Beta-myrcene: Found in oil of bay, verbena, hops, and other natural sources; Alpha-myrcene: Not found in nature; [Merck Index] Used as a fragrance, flavoring agent, insect repellent, and detergent additive; [HSDB]
Comments
Moderately irritating to skin and eyes; [HSDB] Causes somnolence and ataxia in lethal dose studies; Causes kidney tubular injury at doses >65 gm/kg given intermittently over 13 weeks; Moderately irritating to the skin of rabbits; [RTECS] Embryotoxic in rats exposed to more than 500 mg/kg/day; [REPROTOX] Safe when used in food as a flavoring agent; [JECFA] See "TERPENES." See "Dihydromyrcene."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
2.01 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Terpene hydrocarbons, n.o.s." The IARC classification is for beta-Myrcene, CAS # 123-35-3; VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: