Simply Ask Aromatherapy
Simply Ask Aromatherapy
Copyright 2005: Simply Ask Aromatherapy - All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2005: Simply Ask Aromatherapy - All Rights Reserved
Chemical Structure
Chemical Structure
Properties of Terpenes in Essential Oils
Properties of Terpenes in Essential Oils
Isoprene: A five-carbon molecule which is the basic building block of many essential oils.
Hemiterpenes: A single isoprene unit. Isoprene itself is considered the only hemiterpene. Oxygen-containing derivatives such as prenol and isovaleric acid are hemiterpenoids.
Monoterpenes: Two isoprene units linked together.
Sesquiterpenes: Three isoprene units linked together.
Diterpenes: Four isoprene units linked together.
Triterpenes: Six isoprene units linked together.
They consist of 30 carbon atoms and are some of the largest molecules found in essential oils.
Tetraterpenes: Eight isoprene units linked together.
Isoprene units may be linked together "head to tail" to form linear chains or they may can be arranged to form rings.
Terpenes are a large and varied class of hydrocarbons, produced primarily by a wide variety of plants, particularly conifers They are the major components of resin, and of turpentine produced from resin. The name "terpene" is derived from the word "turpentine". When terpenes are modified chemically, such as by oxidation or rearrangement of the carbon skeleton, the resulting compounds are generally referred to as terpenoids.
Isoprene: A five-carbon molecule which is the basic building block of many essential oils.
Hemiterpenes: A single isoprene unit. Isoprene itself is considered the only hemiterpene. Oxygen-containing derivatives such as prenol and isovaleric acid are hemiterpenoids.
Monoterpenes: Two isoprene units linked together.
Sesquiterpenes: Three isoprene units linked together.
Diterpenes: Four isoprene units linked together.
Triterpenes: Six isoprene units linked together.
They consist of 30 carbon atoms and are some of the largest molecules found in essential oils.
Tetraterpenes: Eight isoprene units linked together.
Isoprene units may be linked together "head to tail" to form linear chains or they may can be arranged to form rings.
Terpenes are a large and varied class of hydrocarbons, produced primarily by a wide variety of plants, particularly conifers They are the major components of resin, and of turpentine produced from resin. The name "terpene" is derived from the word "turpentine". When terpenes are modified chemically, such as by oxidation or rearrangement of the carbon skeleton, the resulting compounds are generally referred to as terpenoids.
Terpenes
Terpenes
(C5H8)
(C5H8)