Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Phellandrene
Introduction
Phellandrene is the name for a pair of organic compounds that have a similar molecular structure and similar chemical properties. α-Phellandrene and β-phellandrene are cyclic monoterpenes and are double bond isomers. In α-phellandrene both double bonds are endocyclic and in β-phellandrene one of them is exocyclic. Both are insoluble in water, but miscible with ether.
α-Phellandrene is a constituent of the essential oils of Eucalyptus dives and of Eucalyptus phellandra (hence the name). β-Phellandrene has been isolated from the oil of water fennel and Canada balsam oil.
The phellandrenes are used in fragrances because of their pleasing aromas. The odor of β-phellandrene has been described as peppery-minty and slightly citrusy.