Terpene Chart
A visual reference across aroma categories, boiling points, natural sources, and effects.
A visual reference across aroma categories, boiling points, natural sources, and effects. Covers 20 important terpenes used in fragrance, culinary, aromatherapy, wine, coffee, and beyond. Use the category filters below to narrow by terpene class, or print the chart as a shelf-side reference.
| Name | Category | Aroma | Effects | Boiling Point | Natural Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Monoterpene |
Earthy
Musky
Herbal
|
Sedative
Analgesic
|
167°C (332°F) | Mangoes, hops, lemongrass |
| Limonene | Monoterpene |
Citrus
Lemon
Orange
|
Mood elevation
Stress relief
|
176°C (349°F) | Citrus fruit, juniper |
| Alpha-Pinene | Monoterpene |
Pine
Fresh
Sharp
|
Alertness
Memory
Bronchodilator
|
155°C (311°F) | Pine, rosemary, sage |
| Beta-Pinene | Monoterpene |
Pine
Woody
Herbal
|
Anti-inflammatory
|
166°C (331°F) | Pine, parsley, basil |
| Linalool | Monoterpene |
Floral
Lavender
Sweet
|
Calming
Anti-anxiety
|
198°C (388°F) | Lavender, coriander |
| Beta-Caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene |
Spicy
Peppery
Woody
|
Anti-inflammatory
CB2 agonist
|
130°C (266°F) | Black pepper, cloves |
| Humulene | Sesquiterpene |
Earthy
Woody
Hoppy
|
Anti-inflammatory
Appetite suppressant
|
198°C (388°F) | Hops, sage, ginseng |
| Terpinolene | Monoterpene |
Floral
Herbal
Piney
|
Antioxidant
Mild sedative
|
186°C (367°F) | Nutmeg, tea tree |
| Ocimene | Monoterpene |
Sweet
Herbal
Woody
|
Antifungal
Decongestant
|
100°C (212°F) | Mint, basil, orchids |
| Nerolidol | Sesquiterpene |
Woody
Floral
Citrus
|
Sedative
Anti-parasitic
|
122°C (252°F) | Jasmine, tea tree |
| Bisabolol | Sesquiterpene |
Floral
Sweet
Chamomile
|
Anti-inflammatory
Healing
|
153°C (307°F) | Chamomile, candeia |
| Geraniol | Monoterpene |
Rose
Floral
Citrus
|
Neuroprotective
Antioxidant
|
230°C (446°F) | Roses, geranium |
| Camphene | Monoterpene |
Damp
Earthy
Pungent
|
Cardiovascular
Antioxidant
|
159°C (318°F) | Camphor, fir trees |
| Borneol | Monoterpene |
Minty
Camphor
Herbal
|
Analgesic
Anti-insomnia
|
210°C (410°F) | Camphor, rosemary |
| Eucalyptol | Monoterpene |
Eucalyptus
Minty
Cool
|
Antibacterial
Respiratory
|
176°C (349°F) | Eucalyptus, bay leaves |
| Valencene | Sesquiterpene |
Citrus
Sweet
Fresh
|
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-allergic
|
123°C (253°F) | Valencia oranges |
| Guaiol | Sesquiterpene |
Woody
Pine
Rose
|
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
|
92°C (198°F) | Guaiacum, cypress pine |
| Isopulegol | Monoterpene |
Minty
Herbal
Cool
|
Gastroprotective
Anti-anxiety
|
170°C (338°F) | Lemongrass, geranium |
| Phytol | Diterpene |
Floral
Balsamic
|
Relaxant
Antioxidant
|
204°C (399°F) | Green tea, chlorophyll |
| Sabinene | Monoterpene |
Spicy
Woody
Fresh
|
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
|
164°C (327°F) | Black pepper, nutmeg |
Understanding the Terpene Chart
Monoterpenes vs. Sesquiterpenes
Monoterpenes are lightweight, volatile compounds made of two isoprene units (C10). They evaporate quickly and are responsible for the initial burst of aroma when you smell lavender, citrus peel, or a fresh pine branch. Sesquiterpenes contain three isoprene units (C15), making them heavier and less volatile, with deeper, more persistent scents that anchor a base note.
Why Boiling Points Matter
Each terpene vaporizes at a specific temperature. Understanding boiling points is essential across industries: perfumers predict how a material will move through a fragrance arc, roasters preserve delicate floral notes in lighter roasts, and chefs decide whether an herb can withstand heat. Lower boiling points mean faster evaporation; higher boiling points indicate greater thermal stability.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our interactive flashcards and quizzes to master terpene identification, effects, and aromas.