In short
alpha-Phellandrene is a monoterpene found in dill, eucalyptus, black pepper and elemi oils. It has a fresh citrusy-peppery odour.
What alpha-Phellandrene smells like
Alpha-phellandrene is a fresh citrus terpene with a peppery bite and a discreet mint note. ChemicalBook describes a pleasant, fresh, citrus, peppery odour with a discrete mint note; Takasago a fresh-citrusy, peppery-woody odour with a discretely minty note. The Good Scents Company and Parchem give citrus, terpenic, slightly green and black-pepper-like. It is one of the aroma compounds of black pepper.
- Leading note
- Fresh peppery citrus
- Clear facets
- Black pepper
- Supporting facets
- Mint
- Faint facets
- Woody, green
- Character
- Fresh, peppery, bright, terpenic
What makes alpha-Phellandrene distinctive
The pepper. It is a citrus terpene that already smells half of black pepper, with a cool hint of mint.
How alpha-Phellandrene is used
Used for fresh, peppery-citrus top notes and in pepper and spice reconstructions.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How alpha-Phellandrene differs from similar materials
- gamma-Terpinene
- Gamma-terpinene is lime with a thyme-like, oily warmth; alpha-phellandrene is citrus with a peppery bite and a mint note.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Oxidises readily; store cold and well closed.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Citrus / Spicy
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- p-Mentha-1,5-diene
- CAS number
- 99-83-2
- Molecular formula
- C10H16
- Molecular weight
- 136.23 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 2-methyl-5-propan-2-ylcyclohexa-1,3-diene
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 7460, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 19 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (1,722 reports): H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (95.5% of reports). Unless it is harmonised, this is the notifiers' own classification, not a binding one.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
d-Limonene
Aroma chemical · Citrus / Fruity — citrus, orange, fresh, light
-
Dill Oil
Essential oil · Aromatic / Green — herbal, green, fresh, caraway
-
Elemi Oil
Essential oil · Resinous / Citrus — resinous, lemony, peppery, fresh
-
Black Pepper Oil
Essential oil · Spicy / Woody — peppery, spicy, woody, fresh
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 3 published formulas
alpha-Phellandrene is an ingredient in 2 accords and 1 base in the Formula & Accord Library.
Further reading
Questions about alpha-Phellandrene
Is alpha-Phellandrene natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial alpha-Phellandrene may be made by synthesis or obtained from natural sources, so check the supplier's specification if the distinction matters to you.
What is the CAS number of alpha-Phellandrene?
99-83-2. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use alpha-Phellandrene?
alpha-Phellandrene is used in 3 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library: Cannabis Base, Mango Accord and Pumpkin Accord. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 7460, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- ChemicalBook — alpha-phellandrene (CAS 99-83-2) — odour database.
- The Good Scents Company — alpha-phellandrene (with Takasago's description) — odour database.
- Parchem — alpha-phellandrene — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 20 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.