Sesquiterpene

Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and have the molecular formula C15H24. They may be acyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modifications such as oxidation or rearrangement produce the related sesquiterpenoids.

Sesquiterpenes are found naturally in plants and insects, as semiochemicals, e.g. defensive agents or pheromones.

Structure and biosynthesis

The basic molecular formula of sesquiterpenes is C15H24, but the structures found in nature can be much more complex. The largest group of sesquiterpenes are the Eudesmanes, named for their overall structure, which is that of eudesmane, their parent hydrocarbon.

Like monoterpenes and farnesenes, sesquiterpenes are derived from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), a derivative of isoprene.

Types of sesquiterpenes

There are several types of sesquiterpenes, including:

• Caryophyllene
• Humulene
• Farnesene
• Bisabolene
• Cedrene
• Zingiberene
• Curcumene
• Xanthorrhizol

See also

• Monoterpene
• Diterpene
• Triterpene
• Tetraterpene
• Polyterpene

References

Sesquiterpene Resources
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