Turpentine oil
[CAS# 8006-64-2]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Special medicine >> Surgical medication
• Name: Turpentine oil
• CAS Registry Number: 8006-64-2
• EC Number: 232-350-7

Properties

• Melting point: -55 °C
• Index of Refraction: 1.4670-1.4780
• alpha: -40-+48 °
• Boiling point: 153-175 °C
• Flash point: 36 °C (closed cup)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS08;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H226-H332-H312-H302-H304-H315-H319-H317-H411
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P272-P273-P280-P301+P316-P301+P317-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P317-P321-P330-P331-P332+P317-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P391-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	2	H371
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1B	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Skin mild irritation	Skin Mild Irrit. 99	3	H315
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351

• Transport Information: UN 1299

Discovery and Applications

Turpentine oil is a volatile essential oil obtained through the distillation of resin harvested from coniferous trees, particularly pines. The term "turpentine" is derived from the Greek word "terebinthine," referring to the terebinth tree, though it is now commonly associated with pine-derived oils.

Historically, turpentine has been utilized for various purposes. In ancient civilizations, it was employed for medicinal and preservative applications. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, used turpentine in embalming processes.

In modern times, turpentine oil is primarily used as a solvent in the paint and varnish industry, facilitating the thinning of oil-based paints and the cleaning of brushes. It is also utilized in the production of varnishes and as a raw material in the chemical industry. Additionally, turpentine oil has applications in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics.

While turpentine oil has various industrial applications, it is important to handle it with care due to its flammability and potential health hazards. Exposure to turpentine vapors can irritate the skin and eyes, damage the lungs and respiratory system when inhaled, and cause damage to the renal system when ingested. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as burning sensations, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, convulsions, diarrhea, tachycardia, unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and chemical pneumonia.

In summary, turpentine oil is a versatile substance with a long history of use in various applications, including medicinal, industrial, and artistic fields. Its chemical composition and properties have been well-documented, and it continues to be valued for its functional uses.

References

2007. Changes of gene expression of iron regulatory proteins during turpentine oil-induced acute-phase response in the rat. Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology, 87(6).
DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3700553