camphene

Camphene is a bicyclic organic compound. It is one of the most pervasive monoterpenes. As with other terpenes, it is insoluble in water, flammable, colorless, and has a pungent smell. It is a minor constituent of many essential oils such as turpentine, cypress oil, camphor oil, citronella oil, neroli, ginger oil, valerian, and mango. It is produced industrially by isomerization of the more common alpha-pinene using a solid acid catalyst such as titanium dioxide.

Camphene is used in the preparation of fragrances and as a food additive for flavoring. These include isobornyl acetate. The aroma of the racemate is described as woody, herbal, fir needle, camphoreous, terpenic, cooling, pine, citrus, green, minty, and spicy. The aroma of dextro enantiomer is described as fresh, herbal, woody, fir needle, and camphoreous, whereas that of the laevo enantiomer is fresh, woody, fir needle, and terpenic.