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How many isoprene units are found in tetraterpenes?
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Isoprenoid
Camphor, an isoprenoid compound classified as a terpenoid ketone, is used in incense and certain medicinal compounds. It is a natural substance obtained from the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a species of evergreen.
Tetraterpenes contain eight isoprene units.1
These compounds, which have the molecular formula , are classified as isoprenoids based on the number of five-carbon isoprene units they contain. While smaller terpenes are defined by fewer unitsāsuch as monoterpenes (two units) and sesquiterpenes (three units)āthe tetraterpenes are characterized by their eight-unit structure. The most well-known examples of this class are the carotenoid pigments.231