DL-Limonene CAS#138-86-3

Products Description of DL-Limonene CAS#138-86-3

DL-Limonene, also known as dipentene, is a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with a characteristic fresh citrus aroma, having a molecular formula of C10H16 and a molecular weight of 136.24. It is a racemic mixture of d-limonene and l-limonene, naturally derived from citrus peel oils and turpentine. The product has a boiling point of approximately 170-180 degrees C, a density of about 0.86 g/cm3 and a closed cup flash point of 45-48 degrees C, which classifies it as a flammable liquid. It is insoluble in water but readily miscible with ethanol, ether and most organic solvents. 

As a renewable terpene compound, DL-limonene is widely used as an industrial cleaning and degreasing solvent, a flavor and fragrance ingredient, and a raw material for terpene resins and synthetic aroma chemicals.

DL-Limonene Chemical Properties

Safety Information

Product Application of DL-Limonene CAS#138-86-3

DL-Limonene serves as an effective solvent for enamels, lacquers, oil based resins, resin waxes and metal driers, and is also involved in the manufacture of synthetic resins and synthetic rubbers. In the flavor and fragrance sector, it is widely used to formulate orange blossom and citrus oil essences, and often acts as a direct substitute for lemon essential oil. 

From a chemical perspective, limonene can be selectively oxidized into carvone. Under acid catalysis, it undergoes hydration to yield alpha-terpineol together with hydrated terpene diols. Hydrogenation over a platinum type catalyst converts it into para-menthane, while catalytic dehydrogenation gives para-cymene. Additionally, the compound is utilized as an oil dispersant, a rubber processing additive and a wetting agent in various industrial applications.