Dipentene

Brief Overview

Dipentene (also called D-Limonene), is a terpene liquid found in various volatile oils such as cardamon, mace, nutmeg , turpentine oil. Dipentene is mainly composed of Limonene, beta-Phellandrene, Myrcene and other terpenes.

Manufacturing Process

In nature, limonene is formed from the molecule geranyl pyrophosphate, via cyclization of a neryl carbocation or its equivalent. In the final step, the C=C double bond is formed through the loss of a proton from the carbocation.

Commercially, d-limonene is obtained from citrus fruits through the process of steam distillation and centrifugal separation. Commonly, orange oil is extracted as a by-product of orange juice production by centrifugation. The orange oil obtained composes greater than 90% of d-limonene. Further separation takes place via steam distillation, where steam is passed through the orange oil to distill limonene. Limonene is relatively stable and can be distilled without decomposition, but at elevated temperatures, it cracks to form isoprene. The limonene extracted is commonly D-limonene, but at 300°C it racemizes to dipentene.

Personal Care and Cosmetics

Limonene and β-phellandrene are cyclic monoterpenes and are double-bond ismoers. in α-phellandrene, both double are endocyclic and β-phellandrene, one of them is exocyclic. Both are insoluble in water, but miscrible with ether. β-phellandrene is widely distributed in essential oils. The phellandrene are used in fragrances because of their pleasing aromas. The odors of β-phellandrene has been described as peppery-minty and slightly citrusy. Consequently, β-phellandrene is widely used in flavor industry

Oils Dispersant

d-limonene (as content of dipentene) is definitely a preferred solvent when it comes to safety and the environment. As a  naturally occurring solvent, it blodegrades quickly, is much less toxic than mineral spirits and the chlorinated solvents; and is non-reactive to metals

Pharmaceutical Industry 

It is also increasingly used as a solvent. It is used in the manufacturing of resins, as a wetting and dispersing agent, and in insect control. In pharmaceuticals, limonene is added to help medical ointments and creams penetrate the skin. In manufacturing, limonene is used as a fragrance cleaner (solvents), and as an ingredient in household cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products

Paint Industry

Dipentene is used as a solvent for resins, alkyds and waxes and to make paints, enamels, lacquers and polishes.