In short
gamma-Terpinene is a monoterpene found in lemon, lime, mandarin and tea tree oils. It has a citrusy, herbal odour and is part of what makes a citrus oil smell whole.
What gamma-Terpinene smells like
Gamma-terpinene is a herbaceous-citrus terpene with a lime-like, oily character. Arctander, quoted by The Good Scents Company, describes a refreshingly herbaceous-citrusy odour, not as lemony as the alpha isomer but somewhat warmer. A tasting panel gives terpy, citrus, lime-like, oily and green with a tropical-fruity nuance, and a supplier describes lime rind and lemon over an oily warmth. Several sources note a thyme-like quality. It is a top note that fades within hours.
- Leading note
- Herbaceous lime
- Clear facets
- Oily
- Supporting facets
- Thyme-like
- Faint facets
- Lemon, tropical fruit
- Character
- Warm, oily, herbal, fresh
What makes gamma-Terpinene distinctive
The thyme. It is the citrus terpene that leans herbal — lime rind with a warm, thyme-like, oily side — rather than the plain orange peel of limonene.
How gamma-Terpinene is used
Used in lime, lemon and herbal-citrus reconstructions; it is the second major constituent of many citrus oils, yuzu among them.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How gamma-Terpinene differs from similar materials
- d-Limonene
- One supplier describes gamma-terpinene as more herbal than limonene; limonene is plain, sweet orange peel. (compared directly by a cited source)
- p-Cymene
- p-Cymene is harsher and more woody-solvent-like, with an oxidised-citrus note; gamma-terpinene is fresher, lime- and thyme-like.
- alpha-Phellandrene
- Alpha-phellandrene is citrus with a peppery and minty side; gamma-terpinene is lime with a thyme-like, oily warmth.
- alpha-Terpinene
- alpha-Terpinene, its isomer, is described by JECFA as refreshing and lemony-citrus.
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 readily, which is one reason citrus oils age; store cold and full.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Citrus / Aromatic
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- p-Mentha-1,4-diene
- CAS number
- 99-85-4
- Molecular formula
- C10H16
- Molecular weight
- 136.23 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylcyclohexa-1,4-diene
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 7461, 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 (2,186 reports): H226 flammable liquid and vapor (99.4% of reports); H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (86.3% of reports); H411 toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (12.3% of reports). 3 of the reports find it does not meet the hazard criteria. 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
-
p-Cymene
Aroma chemical · Citrus / Aromatic — citrus, herbal, woody, solvent-like
-
Lime Oil (Expressed)
Essential oil · Citrus / Green — citrus, green, zesty, aromatic
-
Mandarin Oil
Essential oil · Citrus / Fruity — citrus, sweet, juicy, tangerine
gamma-Terpinene is also suggested as a partner on the pages for alpha-Terpinene, Carvacrol and Savory Oil.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 1 published formula
gamma-Terpinene is an ingredient in 1 perfume formula in the Formula & Accord Library.
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about gamma-Terpinene
Is gamma-Terpinene natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial gamma-Terpinene 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 gamma-Terpinene?
99-85-4. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use gamma-Terpinene?
gamma-Terpinene is used in 1 published formula in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library: Lime Bruise. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 7461, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- The Good Scents Company — gamma-terpinene (quoting Arctander) — odour database.
- Fraterworks — terpinene gamma — distributor's description.
- Parchem — gamma-terpinene — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 24 October 2026. Evidence: several independent published descriptions, which agree. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.