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sesquiterpene

chemical compound

Quick Summary

Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes with the chemical formula C15H24, meaning they are composed of three isoprene units. These compounds are found widely in nature and are often oxygenated derivatives of hydrocarbons.12

Sesquiterpenes are more volatile than monoterpenes and can be isolated through steam distillation or extraction, followed by purification using vacuum fractional distillation or chromatography. Their structures are more complex than monoterpenes, and they can be classified by their carbon skeleton types, such as cadalene and eudalene. Examples include cadinene, found in cubeb and cade oils, and β-selinene, present in celery oil.3

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