Turpentine Oil

Turpentine (also called the spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine, wood turpentine) obtained by the distillation of resin obtained from pine trees. As a natural and renewable resource, turpentine fits perfectly with the trend of green, low carbon and sustainable development. Turpentine is composed of terpenes, mainly the monoterpenes, alpha-Pinene, and beta-Pinene with lesser amounts of Carene, Camphene, Dipentene, and Terpinolene. The structural similarities between pinenes and natural F&F ingredients give turpentine the atom and step economy that petroleum materials always lack.

Turpentine is mainly used as a solvent, a source of raw materials in the synthesis of fragrant chemical compounds. Commercially used Camphor, Linalool, alpha-Terpineol, and Geraniol are all usually produced from alpha-Pinene and beta-Pinene, which are two of the chief chemical components of turpentine. Turpentine is added to many cleaning and sanitary products due to its antiseptic properties and its “Clean Scent”. Turpentine has also been used as a medicinal elixir.

Turpentine oil is a kind of fluid isolated from live trees, mainly pines. It consists of terpenes including monoterpenes, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and some amount of careen, camphene, dipentene, and terpinolene. It can be used as a solvent and as a source of materials for organic synthesis. For its application in solvent, it can be used for thinning oil-based paints that are useful for the manufacturing of varnishes. In organic synthesis, it can be used for the synthesis of fragrant chemical compounds such as camphor, linalool and alpha-terpineol. It can also be used for large-scale synthesis of bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes. It can also be used as natural flavoring agent as food additive. Moreover, it can be used to synthesize pesticide as well as be used to facilitate the endodontic retreatment.

Chemical Properties

colourless liquid with paint-like odour

Uses

Solvent and thinner for paints, varnishes, polishes. In manufacture of aroma chemicals such as camphor, myrcene, linalool; source of pine oil.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Flash point 90-115°F. Obtained from naphtha-extraction of pine stumps. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

WOOD TURPENTINE reacts with oxidizing agents. Calcium hypochlorite was placed in a turpentine container, thought to be empty. Reaction with the residual turpentine resulted in an explosion within a few minutes [Benson 1967]. Reacts violently with chromic anhydride [Haz. Chem. Data 1967 p. 68]. Reacts with stannic chloride producing heat and sometimes flame [Mellor 7:430 1946-47]. May also react exothermically with reducing agents to produce gaseous hydrogen.

References

Kalpana Awasthi, et al. "Large scale synthesis of bundles of aligned carbon nanotubes using a natural precursor: turpentine oil." Journal of Experimental Nanoscience 5.6(2010):498-508.
Bai, Yun. "The general situation of flavor from turpentine oil." China Food Additives (2006).
Pakdel, H, S. Sarron, and C. Roy. "alpha-Terpineol from hydration of crude sulfate turpentine oil. " Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry 49.9(2001):4337-41.
Dong-Mei, L. I., et al. "Study on synthesis of high purity α-terpineol from turpentine oil." Modern Chemical Industry (2008).
Armstrong, Henry E. "XXXV.—Studies of the terpenes and allied compounds. The nature of turpentine oils, including that obtained from Pinus khasyana." Journal of the Chemical Society Transactions 59:311-315.
Guilbert, J., et al. "Anti-flatulence treatment and status epilepticus: a case of camphor intoxication." Emergency Medicine Journal Emj 24.12(2007):859.
Qin, Lang, and Y. M. Wang. "Application of Turpentine Oil in Synergist and Pesticide and Its Progress." Fine & Specialty Chemicals (2005).
Kaplowitz, G. J. "Clinical uses of rectified turpentine oil." International Endodontic Journal 29.2(1996):93.