Chemical Properties
The production of essential oil from this pine has been abandoned. The needles are probably distilled with those from
spruce. A large addition of white pine needles to spruce needles tends to lower considerably the ester content of the distilled spruce oil.
Uses
pine oil (Pinus palustris) is originally used as a solvent and a disinfectant, it is also deodorizing, anti-bacterial and anti-septic. Studies are now showing that certain fractions of pine oil may stimulate fibroblast growth, which would mean an increase in the turnover of epidermal cells. Pine oil is produced by distillation of small pine branches. It may be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. A complex combination of terpenes produced by the high temperature distillation of oil of turpentine residues or by the catalytic hydration of pinenes. Composed primarily of isomeric tertiary and secondary cyclic terpene alcohols. May contain terpene hydrocarbons and ethers. Exact composition varies with production methods and turpentine source.
General Description
A clear colorless to light amber colored liquid. Contains mainly tertiary and secondary terpene alcohols Produced from the wood of pine trees by extraction or steam distillation. Flash point below 141°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Pine oil has a high content of various alcohols. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Health Hazard
Vapors can cause headache, confusion, respiratory distress. Liquid irritates skin. If ingested, can irritate the entire digestive system and may injure kidneys. If liquid is taken into lungs, causes severe pneumonitis,pulmonary edema/hemorrhage.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Forms heavy black smoke and soot.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
ingestion. Mddly toxic by skin contact. A
weak allergen and a severe irritant to skin
and mucous membranes. Human systemic
effects by ingestion: excitement, ataxia,
headache. A flammable liquid when exposed
to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing
materials. Moderate spontaneous heating.
To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical.
Used as an odorant, dtsinfectant, solvent,
wetting agent, and frothing agent.
