Terpene

The terpenes are a class of Hydrocarbure S, produced by many Plante S, in particular the coniferous . They are major components of the resin and Spirits of turpentine produced starting from resin.

Origin

Terpenes are derivatives of the Isoprène C5H8 and have as a basic formula of the multiples of this one, i.e. (C5H8) n . One can regard isoprene as one of the structural components preferred of nature.

Composition

Their carbon skeletons consist of units of isoprene connected to the tail-leu-leu. It is what one calls the rule of the isoprene . These skeletons can be arranged in a linear way or form rings.

Classification of terpenes

According to number N (whole) of units pentacarbonés (C5) ramified, one can distinguish for:
  • N = 2: the Monoterpène S (C10). They are most common. They have as a C10H16 formula and count many Isomère S.
  • N = 3: the Sesquiterpene S (C15), C15H24
  • N = 4: the Diterpène S (C20), C20H32
  • N = 5: the Sesterpène S (C25)
  • N = 6: the Triterpènes (C30)
  • N = 8 and the natural rubber: the Polyterpene S

The Carotene, important a vegetable Pigment of Photosynthèse is a Tétraterpène, of C40H64 formula. Matters as various as the rubber, the Vitamine has 1 or the Cholestérol is primarily built “bricks” of isoprene.

Among the most important terpenes one finds:

  • alpha Pinène
  • beta-pinene
  • the delta-3-careens
  • the Limonène
  • carotene
  • the Lutéine
  • the Pinène

Properties

Terpenes have two fundamental properties:
  • First of all they have odoriferous properties at the plants. A common example is the geranium
  • Ensuite, because of alternation the simple ones and double connections (connections combined) which is characteristic of the molecule, it with properties with the light. The carotenoids and the xanthophylls, composed of chlorophyl, are example of photosensitive terpenes

History

Terpenes were named by Friedrich Kekulé von Stradonitz in reference to the Térébenthine which, in addition to the resinic acid , contains also Hydrocarbure S. Seulement, those were qualified at the terpene origin, term which became a specified concept later more precisely. The most important researchers in this sector of terpenes were Otto Wallach which collaborated with Kekulé, and Lavoslav Ružička. Feodor Lynen and Konrad Bloch described in 1964 the Biosynthèse of terpenes then Feodor Lynen published in 1965 one entitled book “the acetic acid activated” Terpenes and acids of fat contents .

See too

External bonds

  • Institute off Chemistry - terpenes
  • Structures of alpha pinene and beta pinene
  • Course on terpenes

Random links:Albéric de Montgolfier | Binder paper | Theodor Zwinger (Pasteur) | Line of bus the RATP 367 | Championship of France of failures of the clubs | Kotch