Pine oil is an essential oil obtained from a variety of species of pine, particularly Pinus sylvestris. Typically, parts of the trees that are not used for lumber — stumps, etc. — are ground and subjected to steam distillation.[2] As of 1995, synthetic pine oil was the "biggest single turpentine derivative."[3] Synthetic pine oils accounted for 90% of sales as of 2000.[4]
Composition
Pine oil is a higher boiling fraction from turpentine. Both synthetic and natural pine oil consists mainly of α-terpineol, a C10 alcohol (b.p. 214–217 °C).[5][1] The detailed composition of natural pine oil depends on many factors, such as the species of the host plant.[6] Synthetic pine oil is obtained by treating pinene with water in the presence of a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid. This treatment results in hydration of the alkene and rearrangement of the pinene skeleton, yielding terpineols.[4]
Pine oil has a relatively low human toxicity level, a low corrosion level and limited persistence; however, it irritates the skin and mucous membranes and has been known to cause breathing problems.[8][9] Large doses may cause central nervous system depression.[1]
Pine-Sol, cleaning product that originally contained pine oil, though it switched to a different active ingredient in 2013 due to the declining availability of pine oil
^Macchioni, F.; Cioni, P. L.; Flamini, G.; Morelli, I.; Maccioni, S.; Ansaldi, M. (2003-03-01). "Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Needles, Branches and Cones of Pinus pinea, P. halepensis, P. pinaster and P. nigra from Central ltaly". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 18 (2): 139–143. doi:10.1002/ffj.1178. ISSN1099-1026.
