Terpene - Definition and Overview

Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons, produced by many plants, particularly conifers. They are major components of resin, and of turpentine produced from resin.

Terpenes are derived from isoprene C₅H₈ and have the basic formula of multiples of it, i.e., (C₅H₈)_n. The most commonly occurring terpenes are monoterpenes with the formula C₁₀H₁₆, of which numerous isomers exist. Others with formulae of C₁₅H₂₄ (sesquiterpenes), C₂₀H₃₂ (diterpenes), etc., also occur. The important plant photosynthetic pigment carotene is a tetraterpene, formula C₄₀H₆₄.

Important terpenes include:

• alpha-pinene
• beta-pinene
• delta-3 carene
• limonene

See also: Terpenoid

External links

• Institute of Chemistry - terpenes (http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/chemistry/oc/terpene/terpene_en.html)
• Structures of alpha pinene and beta pinene (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/glossary/pinene.html)