Beta-pinene, a bicyclic monoterpene, is the second most abundant component of resins produced by pine and other coniferous trees and is an organic compound found in plants. The most abundant is its isomer α-pinene. Both pinenes occur in nature as their (+)- and (-)-enantiomers. Image shows the (+)-enantiomer of β-pinene.
It is a colorless liquid, soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water. It has a woody green pine smell. This is one of the most abundant compounds released by forest trees. If oxidized in air, it is mainly the allyl product of the pine carveol and myrtenol families.
Pinene is the main component of turpentine, a solvent that was in its heyday as a thinner and cleaner for oil-based paints. It is also used in varnishes and as a raw material for the synthesis of useful organic compounds.
Turpentine is mentioned in the chemical literature as early as 1875 in U.S. Patent 162,394, where Archibald K. Lee of Galveston, Texas, used turpentine in a modified process to dissolve "bitumen" (a form of asphalt). dissolved form). In 1893, Walter E. Rohner of New York City was awarded $498,961 for his use in "wood polish."
β-Pinene itself was first discovered in 1896 by the famous German chemist Adolf von Baeyer, who won the 1905 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, in a detailed paper on the origin of terpenes. Luciferin, phenolphthalein, and indigo. Bayer also developed
source
Many plants from many plant families contain this compound, including:
- cumin
- hops
- pine
- yellow skin
- marijuana
β-Pinene Overview
| CAS registration number | 127-91-3 |
| SciFinder nomenclature | Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylene- |
| empirical formula | C 10 H 16 |
| Molar mass | 136.23 g/mol |
| appearance | colorless liquid |
| boiling point | 166℃ |
| water soluble | Insoluble |
Beta-pinene hazard information*
| Levels of danger** | GHS Code and Hazard Statements |
|---|---|
| Flammable liquids, Category 3 | H226—Flammable liquids and vapors |
| Acute toxicity, oral, Category 4 | H302—Harmful if swallowed |
| Aspiration hazard, Category 1 | H304 - May be fatal if swallowed and enters respiratory tract |
| Acute toxicity, dermal, Category 4 | H312—Harmful in contact with skin |
| Skin corrosion/irritation, Category 2 | H315—Causes skin irritation |
| Sensitization, Skin, Category 1 | H317—May cause allergic skin reactions |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation, Category 2A | H319 - Causes serious eye irritation |
| Acute toxicity, inhalation, Category 4 | H332—Harmful if inhaled |
| Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, respiratory tract irritation, Category 3 | H335—May cause respiratory tract irritation |
| Short-term (acute) aquatic hazard, Category 1 | H400 - Highly toxic to aquatic life |
| Long-term (chronic) aquatic hazard, Category 1 | H410 - Extremely toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
use
Beta-pinene is used in fragrances and essential oils. It is also used in the production of other aromatic compounds such as myrcene and nerolidol.
