tetraterpene

chemical compound

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July 14, 2026

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Tetraterpenes are a class of chemical compounds that are part of the larger group of terpenes. They are characterized by having eight isoprene units, giving them a molecular formula of C₄₀H₆₄.1

The most well-known tetraterpenes are the carotenoids, which are yellow, orange, or red pigments found in plants and animals. While often having a C₄₀H₅₆ formula, their structure is derived from isoprene units, justifying their classification as tetraterpenes. Examples include lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, and β-carotene, the pigment in carrots. β-carotene is significant because animals can convert it into vitamin A, which is crucial for vision.2

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isoprenoid
Tetraterpenes
The yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble plant and animal pigments, known as carotenoids, are classed as tetraterpenes, although they have in general the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₆, rather than C₄₀H₆₄. The fact that their structures can be built up from isoprene units justifies their classification…
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The yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble plant and animal pigments, known as carotenoids, are classed as tetraterpenes, although they have in general the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₆, rather than C₄₀H₆₄. The fact that their structures can be built up from isoprene units justifies their classification…
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isoprenoid
Structural classification of isoprenoids
triterpenes, C₃₀H₄₈; tetraterpenes, C₄₀H₆₄; and polyterpenes, (C₅H₈)_n. Many of the isoprenoids possess carbon skeletons that may be regarded as built up from isoprene units linked “head to tail”; that is, carbon atom 1 of one unit is bonded to carbon atom 4 of the next unit.
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triterpenes, C₃₀H₄₈; tetraterpenes, C₄₀H₆₄; and polyterpenes, (C₅H₈)_n. Many of the isoprenoids possess carbon skeletons that may be regarded as built up from isoprene units linked “head to tail”; that is, carbon atom 1 of one unit is bonded to carbon atom 4 of the next unit.
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