Q.27. - Organic Chemistry

Question

Question: Classify each terpene and terpenoid in Problem 31.26 (e.g., as a monoterpene, sesquiterpene, etc.).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

(a)Monoterpene

(b)Monoterpene

(c)Tetraterpene

(d)Tetraterpene

(e)Sesquiterpene

(f)Sesquiterpene

(g)Diterpene

(h)Triterpene

Step 1: Classification of Isoprene units

The isoprene units are classified into the following classes: monoterpene (two isoprene units), diterpene (four isoprene units), triterpene (three isoprene units), tetraterpene (eight isoprene units), and so on. 

These all have different numbers of carbon atoms. 

Step 2: Isoprene units in each compound

a. There are 10 carbon atoms in the neral compound and two isoprene units. So, it is considered a monoterpene.

neral

 

b. In the carvone compound, there are 10 carbon atoms and two isoprene units. So, carvone is considered a monoterpene.

carvone

c. In the lycopene compound, there are 40 carbon atoms and eight isoprene units. So, it is considered a tetraterpene.

lycopene

d. In the $\beta -carotene$  compound, there are 40 carbon atoms and eight isoprene units. So, $\beta -carotene$  is considered a tetraterpene.

$\beta -carotene$

Step 3: Isoprene units in each compound

e. In the patchouli alcohol compound, there are 15 carbon atoms and three isoprene units. So, patchouli alcohol is considered a sesquiterpene.

patchouli alcohol

 

f. In the periplanone B compound, there are 15 carbon atoms and three isoprene units. So, patchouli alcohol is considered a sesquiterpene.

periplanone B

g. In dextropimaric acid, there are 20 carbon atoms and four isoprene units. So, patchouli alcohol is considered a diterpene.

dextropimaric acid

h. In $\beta -amyrin$ , there are 30 carbon atoms and three isoprene units. So, patchouli alcohol is considered a triterpene.

$\beta -amyrin$