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The terpene alpha-pinene is a major component of the common solvent, turpentine. The one terpene that has major applications is natural rubber (i.e., polyisoprene). The possibility that other terpenes could be used as precursors to produce synthetic polymers has been investigated. Many terpenes have been shown to have pharmacological effects.
The provitamin beta carotene is a terpene derivative called a carotenoid. The steroids and sterols in animals are biologically produced from terpenoid precursors. Sometimes terpenoids are added to proteins, e.g., to enhance their attachment to the cell membrane; this is known as isoprenylation.
A terpene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon based on combinations of the isoprene unit. Terpenoids are compounds related to terpenes, which may include some oxygen functionality or some rearrangement, however the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C 15 H 24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be cyclic or contain rings, including many combinations. Biochemical modifications such as oxidation or rearrangement produce the related sesquiterpenoids. [1]
Biosynthetic pathway to alpha-terpinene from geranyl pyrophosphate. [2]The biosynthesis of α-terpinene and other terpenoids starts with the isomerization of geranyl pyrophosphate to linalyl pyrophosphate (LPP).
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C 10 H 16. Monoterpenes may be linear (acyclic) or contain rings (monocyclic and bicyclic). Modified terpenes, such as those containing oxygen functionality or missing a methyl group, are called monoterpenoids. Monoterpenes and monoterpenoids ...
Diterpenes are a class of terpenes composed of four isoprene units, often with the molecular formula C 20 H 32. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway , with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being a primary intermediate.
As with other terpenes, it is insoluble in water, flammable, colorless, and has a pungent smell. [4] It is a minor constituent of many essential oils such as turpentine , cypress oil, camphor oil, citronella oil , neroli , ginger oil, valerian , and mango . [ 5 ]