myrcene

chemical compound

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July 1, 2026

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Myrcene is a liquid acyclic terpene hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆. It is isomeric with ocimene and occurs naturally in various essential oils, including bay oil and hop oil. Myrcene readily polymerizes. The term "myrcene" originates from the word "myrcia," referring to bay oil.12

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hydrocarbon
Natural occurrence
) Myrcene and limonene, for example, are alkenes found in bayberry and lime oil, respectively. Oil of turpentine, obtained by distilling the exudate from pine trees, is a mixture of hydrocarbons rich in α-
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) Myrcene and limonene, for example, are alkenes found in bayberry and lime oil, respectively. Oil of turpentine, obtained by distilling the exudate from pine trees, is a mixture of hydrocarbons rich in α-
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isoprenoid
Structural classification of isoprenoids
…classification is exemplified by β-myrcene, an acyclic monoterpene; limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene; α-pinene, a bicyclic monoterpene; and vitamin A, an oxygenated monocyclic diterpene. The dotted lines in the structural formulas indicate the division of the carbon skeletons into isoprene units.
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…classification is exemplified by β-myrcene, an acyclic monoterpene; limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene; α-pinene, a bicyclic monoterpene; and vitamin A, an oxygenated monocyclic diterpene. The dotted lines in the structural formulas indicate the division of the carbon skeletons into isoprene units.
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