23.3 TERPENES AND TERPENOIDS Hydrocarbons known generally as terpenes and oxygen-containing compounds called terpenoids are the most important constitutents of essential oils Most terpenes have skeletons of 10.15.20 or 30 carbon atoms and are classified in the following way Monoterpenes 20—— DIterpenes 15—- Sesquiterpenes30—- Triterpenes Recognition of the isoprene unit as a component of the structure of terpenes has been a great aid in elucidating their structures
23.3 TERPENES AND TERPENOIDS Hydrocarbons known generally as terpenes and oxygen-containing compounds called terpenoids are the most important constitutents of essential oils. Most terpenes have skeletons of 10,15,20 or 30 carbon atoms and are classified in the following way. 10 15 20 30 Monoterpenes Sesquiterpenes Diterpenes Triterpenes Recognition of the isoprene unit as a component of the structure of terpenes has been a great aid in elucidating their structures
CH, H2C H2C、CH2 H3C CH CH HC 'CH or H,C CH H2C CH C、CH3CH2 H3C CH Many terpenes also have isoprene units linked in rings, and others(terpenoids) contain oxygen
Many terpenes also have isoprene units linked in rings, and others(terpenoids) contain oxygen. H2C H2C CH CH2 CH C CH2 C H3C CH3 H2 C H2 C CH C H C H2 C C CH H2 C CH3 CH2 CH C H3 C CH3 CH3 or or