During paper production, considerable quantities of turpentine oil are produced, which were previously mainly burned to generate energy. In the long term, this could replace the synthetic petroleum-based menthol used to date. "Turpentine oil is produced during paper production when wood fibers are overcooked. For example, alpha and beta-pinene were dissolved from the turpentine oil - organic hydrocarbon compounds that are used in medical applications, for example. Synthesis in just a few steps The chemical synthesis of 3-carene into menthol was developed in parallel.