Limonene
General Product Information
| Article | Limonene |
| Synonyms | 1-Methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-1-ene, 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene, 4-Isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene, p-Menth-1,8-diene |
| CAS No. | 5989-27-5 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 227-813-5 |
| IMO | Class 3 |
| Tariff Code | 290219 |
| UN No. | 2319 |
| VLG/ADR | Class 3, Packing Group III |
Description
Limonene is a colorless liquid with a citrus-like odor, mainly extracted from the peel of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. It belongs to the terpenes and is an important monoterpene in the chemical industry. Limonene is widely used in the food, cosmetics and cleaning industries because of its solvent, odor and disinfectant properties. Because of its natural origin, limonene is also popular as a more sustainable alternative to synthetic solvents.
Characteristics
- Odor: Citrusy, lime.
- Grade: Technical.
- Highly flammable: At contact with heat or open flame.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C10H16 |
| Molar Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -74 °C |
| Boiling Point | 176 °C |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, but poorly soluble in water. |
| Density | 0.84 g/cm³ (at 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1,474 |
| pH | – |
| Color | Colorless |
| Shape | Liquid |
Applications
Limonene is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Industrial Applications
Limonene is used as a solvent in the paint and coatings industry, as well as in the production of solvents, cleaning agents and disinfectants.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Limonene is often used in fragrances for perfumes, lotions, soaps, and deodorants because of its pleasant citrus scent. It also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that make it useful in products such as mouthwash and skin care products.
3. Food Industry
It is added as a flavoring and fragrance to various products such as soft drinks, candy and cakes.
4. Cleaning Agents
Because of its solvent properties, limonene is used in environmentally friendly cleaning products, especially as a replacement for harsh chemical solvents. It effectively removes grease and dirt.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – (+)-Limonene
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem – D-Limonene of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Limonene