Terpenes are a class of
unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons distinguished by at least one branched 5-carbon ring structure (an
isoprene unit). Additional isoprene units and other
organic functional groups may be attached. Terpenes are
insoluble in water, but dissolve in
alcohol. The lighter terpenes are
volatile and
aromatic. These are derived from plants, or are synthesized from isoprene, and are a component of
essential oils.
Steroids and
xanthophylls are larger molecules that contain terpene structures.
Sources consulted:
An article on toxicity, www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic572.htm
Article on the structure and chemistry of terpenes, www.contentotrade.com/Terpene/eng/Chimica%20del%20Terpene.htm
General information regarding the class of terpenes, www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/chemistry/oc/terpene/terpene_en.html
An article on biosynthesis of terpenes, sbl.salk.edu/noel/terpenoid_natural_products.html and www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e20/20b.htm