In short
beta-Pinene is an isomer of alpha-pinene found in conifer and citrus oils. It has a drier, woodier pine odour and is a raw material for many synthetics.
What beta-Pinene smells like
beta-Pinene is drier and less harsh than alpha-pinene: a perfumery glossary characterises it as woodier, drier and more herbaceous, reading as 'pine from a distance' rather than 'pine in your face'. Some sources add green, dill- or rosemary-like notes and a faint balsamic undertone; a supplier describes a pine-like woody odour. Both pinenes are major constituents of turpentine and are often called turpentine-like.
- Leading note
- Dry woody pine
- Supporting facets
- Herbaceous, green, woody
- Faint facets
- Balsamic
- Character
- Dry, soft, fresh
What makes beta-Pinene distinctive
The softer pinene: drier, woodier and more herbal, pine at a distance.
Where the descriptions disagree: Some sources call both pinenes turpentine-like; others find beta-pinene free of that character.
How beta-Pinene is used
Used in pine, herbal and woody compositions, and as the starting material for many aroma chemicals.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How beta-Pinene differs from similar materials
- alpha-Pinene
- alpha-Pinene is sharper, more camphoraceous and turpentine-like; beta-pinene is softer, woodier and more herbaceous. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Camphene
- Camphene is oilier and more camphoraceous, with a cooling edge; beta-pinene is drier and woodier.
An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Oxidises in air; store well closed.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Aromatic / Woody
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- Nopinene
- CAS number
- 127-91-3
- Molecular formula
- C10H16
- Molecular weight
- 136.23 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 6,6-dimethyl-2-methylidenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 14896, 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 (2,276 reports): H226 flammable liquid and vapor (99.7% of reports); H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (99.7% of reports); H317 may cause an allergic skin reaction (97.5% of reports); H315 causes skin irritation (81.9% of reports); H410 very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (30.2% of reports); H400 very toxic to aquatic life (26.1% of reports). 3 of the reports find it does not meet the hazard criteria. A skin sensitiser classification concerns handling the neat material and the dose in a finished product; the IFRA Standards, where they apply, set the limits. 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
-
alpha-Pinene
Aroma chemical · Aromatic / Woody — piney, resinous, fresh, turpentine
-
d-Limonene
Aroma chemical · Citrus / Fruity — citrus, orange, fresh, light
-
Juniper Berry Oil
Essential oil · Aromatic / Woody — gin, peppery, resinous, fresh
-
Black Pepper Oil
Essential oil · Spicy / Woody — peppery, spicy, woody, fresh
beta-Pinene is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Nopyl Acetate and Pinoacetaldehyde.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 5 published formulas
beta-Pinene is an ingredient in 2 accords and 3 bases in the Formula & Accord Library.
Further reading
Questions about beta-Pinene
Is beta-Pinene natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial beta-Pinene 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 beta-Pinene?
127-91-3. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use beta-Pinene?
beta-Pinene is used in 5 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Cannabis Base, Neroli Bigarade Base and Pistachio Base. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 14896, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- Premiere Peau — beta-Pinene — published perfumery reference.
- Fraterworks — beta pinene — distributor's description.
- Foreverest — beta-pinene — manufacturer's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.