Production, Properties, and Applications of α-Terpineol

Abstract

α-Terpineol (CAS No. 98-55-5) is a tertiary monoterpenoid alcohol widely and commonly used in the flavors and fragrances industry for its sensory properties. It is present in different natural sources, but its production is mostly based on chemical hydration using α-pinene or turpentine. Moreover, many bioprocesses for the microbial production of α-terpineol via biotransformation of monoterpenes (limonene, α- and β-pinenes) are also available in the literature. In addition to its traditional use, α-terpineol has also been evaluated in other application fields (e.g., medical), since some biological properties other than aroma, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects, among others, have been attributed to this compound. Therefore, this review presents an original compilation of data regarding the production (extraction directly from nature; chemical synthesis; via biotechnological process), the chemical and biological properties, and the current market and novel applications of α-terpineol to guide further research in this area. Considering the information presented, we believe that α-terpineol applications may transcend the flavors and fragrances industry in the future.