D-Limonene Technical Grade

Product Overview

D-Limonene Technical Grade is a colorless to pale yellow liquid hydrocarbon classified as a terpene, predominantly derived from citrus fruit peels. It exhibits a characteristic citrus odor and exceptional solvency, making it a versatile solvent for industrial formulations. The product is formulated to meet stringent technical standards, with purity governed by an assay range of 92–98 wt% (typical 95 wt%) as determined by titration with standardized NaOH, and a color specification (APHA/Hazen) with a maximum of 5 (typical 3). Its physical properties, including a boiling range of 176–178°C and a refractive index near 1.474, support stable performance in coatings, cleaners, and fragrance applications.

The technical grade designation reflects controlled impurity levels to minimize coloration and heavy metal content, ensuring suitability for use as a solvent, extraction medium, or aroma constituent in industrial processes. Typical product profiles emphasize low residue after ignition and controlled moisture content, while complying with applicable regulatory and safety standards for solvent use. This balance of odor, solvency, and purity enables predictable behavior in formulation development and process engineering.

Key Properties

• CAS Number: 5989-27-5
• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
• Odor: Citrus, orange-like
• Boiling Range: 176–178°C
• Freezing Point: N/A
• Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
• Flash Point: 48°C
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 0.5 mmHg
• Vapor Pressure (25°C): 0.6 mmHg
• Density (25°C): 0.845 g/mL
• Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
• Molecular Weight (uncertainty): ±0.02 g/mol
• LogP (Partition Coefficient): ~4.2
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.474
• Residue After Ignition: ≤0.1 wt% (typical 0.05)
• Chloride (Cl-): ≤30 ppm (typical 15)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤20 ppm (typical 10)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤5 ppm (typical 2)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤50 ppm (typical 25)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): ≤5 ppm (typical 2)
• Arsenic (As): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤10 ppm (typical 2)
• Iron (Fe): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Copper (Cu): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Manganese (Mn): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05)
• Nickel (Ni): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Lead (Pb): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05)
• Zinc (Zn): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2)
• Aluminum (Al): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Cobalt (Co): ≤0.2 ppm (typical 0.05)
• Calcium (Ca): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Magnesium (Mg): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.1)
• Potassium (K): ≤5 ppm (typical 2)
• Sodium (Na): ≤5 ppm (typical 2)
• Substances Reducing Permanganate: Passes test
• Sulfurous Acid (H₂SO₃): ≤5 ppm (typical 2)
• Available Chlorine: 0 wt% (typical 0)
• Free Alkali (NaOH): 0 wt% (typical 0)
• Water Content: ≤0.5 wt% (typical 0.2)
• Aldehydes: ≤50 ppm (typical 20)
• Stability: Not expected to decompose below 200°C under normal conditions

Common Applications

• Solvent for Paints: Used in the formulation of paints and coatings for its effective solvency and compatibility with hydrocarbon resins.
• Cleaning Agent: Dissolves oils and greases in industrial degreasers and heavy-duty cleaners.
• Flavoring Agent: Natural citrus flavor contributor in food and beverage products (compliant use per regulatory guidelines).
• Aroma Compound: Employed in fragrances and perfumery to impart fresh citrus notes.
• Extraction Solvent: Solvent medium for essential oil and active compound extraction from botanical materials.
• Chemical Intermediate: Used as a building block in synthetic routes for specialty chemicals.
• Degreasing Agent in Metalworking: Removes lubricants and residues during surface preparation.
• Adhesive Formulations: Base solvent in hydrocarbon-based adhesive systems for improved evaporation profiles.

Safety Precautions

Handle and store D-Limonene Technical Grade in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Use containers made of HDPE or glass to minimize reactions with container materials. Ensure adequate ventilation to control vapor buildup, and avoid contact with strong oxidizers. Wear appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Maintain proper grounding when transferring to avoid static discharge in flammable environments.

For exposure and emergency considerations, observe standard operating procedures for flammable liquids. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water; for inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if irritation persists. In the event of ingestion or uncontrolled release, follow emergency response guidelines per the SDS: use suitable extinguishing media for fires, contain spills with inert absorbents, and dispose of waste according to local regulations. This product is classified with H226 (Flammable liquid and vapor), H315 (Causes skin irritation), and H319 (Causes serious eye irritation).

Benefits

✔ High purity for technical formulations – Consistent assay range (92–98 wt%, typical 95 wt%) ensures reliable performance in industrial processes.
✔ Strong solvency with citrus aroma – Effective as a solvent in paints, cleaners, and fragrance applications while delivering a pleasant odor profile.