cadinene

chemical compound

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June 17, 2026

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Cadinene is an oily hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₁₅H₂₄. It belongs to the sesquiterpene class of compounds, which are a type of isoprenoid. Cadinene is primarily found as the main component in cade oil and is also present in many other essential oils.1

Sesquiterpenes, like cadinene, are characterized by their complexity and can be isolated through steam distillation or extraction. When heated with sulfur or selenium, cadinene can be dehydrogenated to form cadalene, a naphthalene hydrocarbon. Cadalene is a colorless liquid with the formula C₁₅H₁₈.23

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isoprenoid
Sesquiterpenes
Cadinene, the principal component of oils of cubeb and cade, is a typical sesquiterpene of the cadalene type. It is an optically active oil with a boiling point of 274 °C (525 °F). β-Selinene, present in celery oil, is typical of the eudalene type.
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Cadinene, the principal component of oils of cubeb and cade, is a typical sesquiterpene of the cadalene type. It is an optically active oil with a boiling point of 274 °C (525 °F). β-Selinene, present in celery oil, is typical of the eudalene type.
Read More