Terpenes and Terpenoids Overview

Introduction to Terpenes

• Terpenes are compounds commonly used in fragrances and found in essential oils.
• Essential oils are utilized in various products like cleaning agents, medical products, and cosmetics.

Structure of Terpenes

• Terpenes are composed of isoprene units.
• Isoprene Unit: Consists of 5 carbon atoms, known as Buta-1,3-diene.
• Identifying Isoprene Units in Terpenes:
  • Count the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.
  • Divide the total number of carbons by 5 to determine the number of isoprene units.
  • Each corner in a molecular structure represents a carbon atom.

Examples of Terpenes

• Terpene with Two Isoprene Units:
  • Count carbons and divide by 5. E.g., molecule with 10 carbons results in 2 isoprene units.

Terpenoids

• Definition: Terpenoids are oxidized terpenes.
• Characteristics:
  • Often have a spicy scent.
  • Contain an oxygen atom within the structure.
• Example of a Terpenoid:
  • A molecule with 15 carbons and hence 3 isoprene units (15 divided by 5 = 3).

Practice Identifying Isoprene Units

• Molecule 1:
  • 15 carbon atoms, i.e., 3 isoprene units.
• Molecule 2:
  • 10 carbon atoms, i.e., 2 isoprene units.
• Terpenoid Example:
  • 20 carbon atoms, i.e., 4 isoprene units.

Conclusion

• Understanding the structure and identification of isoprene units is crucial in studying terpenes and terpenoids.
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