August 24, 2025 | UR Gate
Limonene (C10H16) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Discover Limonene (C10H16), a cyclic terpene found in citrus rinds. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its uses in flavorings, fragrances, and as a natural solvent.
What is Limonene (C10H16)?
Limonene is a naturally occurring cyclic terpene found abundantly in the rinds of citrus fruits, from which it gets its name. It's responsible for the characteristic pleasant aroma of oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. Limonene exists as two enantiomers: D-limonene (or R-limonene), which is the most common form found in nature and has a strong orange scent, and L-limonene (or S-limonene), which has a more piney or turpentine-like scent. It's widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent, in the fragrance industry for perfumes and aromatherapy, and as a natural, eco-friendly solvent and cleaning agent due to its degreasing properties.
Properties of Limonene (C10H16)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Density | 0.841 g/cm³ (at 25°C for D-limonene) |
| Boiling Point | 176 °C (for D-limonene) |
| Melting Point | -96.9 °C (for D-limonene) |
| Hybridization | All carbon atoms are sp² hybridized (in the double bonds and rings) and sp³ hybridized (in the saturated carbons). |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents like ethanol and oils. |
Nomenclature of Limonene
- Common name: Limonene
- IUPAC name: 1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)cyclohex-1-ene (This is a common IUPAC name, though isomers exist) or more specifically for D-limonene: (R)-1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)cyclohex-1-ene
Synonyms
- D-Limonene / (+)-Limonene / R-Limonene
- L-Limonene / (-)-Limonene / S-Limonene
- p-Mentha-1,8-diene
- Dipentene (a racemic mixture of D- and L-limonene)
- 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohex-1-ene
