Pine oil is an essential oil obtained by the steam distillation of stumps, needles, twigs and cones from a variety of species of pine, particularly Pinus sylvestris. As of 1995, synthetic pine oil was the “biggest single turpentine derivative”. Synthetic pine oils accounted for 90% of sales as of 2000.
Product Information
Pine oil is distinguished from other products from pine, such as turpentine, the low-boiling fraction from the distillation of pine sap, and rosin, the thick tar remaining after turpentine is distilled. Chemically, pine oil consists mainly of a-terpineol and other cyclic terpene alcohols.It may also contain terpene hydrocarbons, ethers, and esters. The exact composition depends on various factors, such as the variety of pine from which it is produced and the parts of the tree used.
Major Applications:
• It is used in aromatherapy, as a scent in bath oils.
• It is used more commonly as a cleaning product.
• It is used as a lubricant in small and expensive clockwork instruments.
• It is used varyingly as a disinfectant, sanitizer, mircobicide / microbistat, virucide, insecticide and as massage oil.
• It is also used as an effective herbicide where its action is to modify the waxy cuticle of plants, resulting in desiccation.
