TERPENE Usage And Synthesis

Definition

Any of a class of natural unsaturated hydrocarbons with formulae (C₅H₈)n, found in plants. Terpenes consist of isoprene units,
CH₂=C(CH₃)CH=CH₂.
Monoterpenes have two units (C₁₀H₁₆), diterpenes four units (C₂₀H₃₂), triterpenes three units (C₃₀H₄₈), etc. Sesquiterpenes have three isoprene units (C₁₅H₂₄).

Definition

An unsaturated hydrocarbon occurring in most essential oils and oleoresins of plants. The terpenes are based on the isoprene unit C5H8, and may be either acyclic or cyclic with one or more benzenoid groups. They are classified as monocyclic (dipentene), dicyclic (pinene), or acyclic (myrcene), according to the molecular structure. Many terpenes exhibit optical activity. Terpene derivatives (camphor, menthol, terpineol, borneol, geraniol, etc.) are called terpenoids; many are alcohols. See polyterpene resin.

TERPENE()Related Product Information

• Tackifying resin
• Isoprene