Terpenes (basics)

presentation of terpenes

1. Terpenes
By : mohammed kassim
mohammed ghassan
yahya abd_alkhaliq
mostafa monqeth

2. General information
Terpenes are unsaturated compounds
formed by joining together isoprene units.
Terpenes are components of a wide variety
of fruit and aromas.
Terpene derivatives are responsible for the
special aroma of spices.

3. Terpenes
The name ‘terpene’ is derived from
the Greek word ‘terebinth’.
Terebinth is a type of pine tree from
which terpene-containing resins are
obtained.

4. What are terpenes?
Natural organic compounds.
Components of a variety of fruit and
and aromas.
Used in perfumes, essential oils and
medicines.

5. Therapeutic Uses of terpenes

Antidepressant – Relieves symptoms of depression.
Antifungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus
Anti-Inflammatory – Reduces inflammation.
Gastro-esophageal Reflux –  Reduces acid reflux.
Immune stimulant –  Stimulates the immune system.

6. Spices contain terpenes
Terpenes in plants can be oxidized to
produce the compounds responsible for the
special aroma of spices.
Terpenes containing oxygen or other
functional groups are known as ‘terpenoids’.
Common spices containing terpenes
include cloves, cinnamon and ginger.

7. Terpenes are unsaturated
Terpenes are unsaturated compounds.
All terpenes are built up from units of
isoprene.

8. Building terpenes from isoprene
Isoprene units can be linked:
1- head to tail to form linear terpenes
2- in rings to form cyclic terpenes.

9. Isoprene: the main unit to
form terpene
C
CH
3
CH
2
CH
CH
2
Head Tail
Isoprene
(2-methylbuta-1,3-diene)
=
One isoprene unit contains five carbon atoms
Isoprene is the common name for
2-methylbuta-1,3-diene

10. Types of terpenes
It’s could be monoterpenes or
cyclicterpenes or diterpenes
Terpenes can oxidised to a form
terpenoid

11. Myrcene – a linear terpene
•Myrcene is a component of plants, including bay,
and thyme.
Head TailHead Tail
C
CH
3
CH
3
CH
CH
2
C
CH
2
CH
2
CH
CH
2
Chemical formulaC
10
H
16
uses perfumery
industry

12. Limonene – a cyclic terpene
CH
2
CH
2
C
CH
CH
2
CH
C
CH
2
CH
3
CH
3
Limonene
(skin of citrus fruits)
Chemical formulaC
10
H
16

Uses in cosmetic
pro-ducts , in
food
manufacturing

13. Menthol – a cyclic terpenoid
CH
2
CH
CH
CH
2
CH
CH
2
CH
3
OH
CH
CH
3CH
3
Menthol
(peppermint)
This terpene has been
oxidised to a terpenoid
uses local
anesthetic,
relieve
throat
irritation
Chemical formulaC
10
H
20
O

14. Absinthe – a cyclic terpenoid
CH
2
C
CH
CH
C
CH
2
O
CH
3
CH
CH
3CH
3
Thujone
(Absinthe)
This terpene has been
oxidised to a terpenoid
Chemical formulaC
10
H
16
O
uses Perfumery,
Artemisia absinthium L.

15. Camphor – a cyclic
terpenoid
CH
2
CH
2
CH
C
C
C
CH
2
O
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
Camphor
(Camphor tree)
Chemical formulaC
10
H
16
O
Side effect
Uses anesthetic ,
antimicrobial
Camphor tree

16. a-Selinene – a cyclic terpene
3 isoprene units
15 carbon atoms
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
C
CH
2
CH
3
C
C
C
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
3
H
a-Selinene
Chemical formulaC
15
H
24
Uses reduce blood
pressure

17. β-carotene – a linear terpene
8 isoprene units
40 carbon atoms
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
C
C
C
CH
3CH
3
CH
CH
C
CH
CH
CH
C
CH
CH
CH
CH
C
CH
CH
CH
C
CH
CH
C
C
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
C
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
CH
3
b- c a r o t e n e
Chemical formulaC
40
H
56
Uses decrease asthma
symptoms,
prevent heart
disease

18. Side effects of terpenes
Terpenes have not any side effect
because it’s presence in plants & give
it’s the special aromatic odor
However , terpenes like any
compound else shouldn’t used
excessively because that reduce the
advantage of it .

19. Summary
Terpenes are unsaturated compounds
formed by joining together isoprene units.
Terpenes are components in a wide variety
of fruit and floral flavours and aromas.
Terpenes can be oxidised within plants to
produce the compounds responsible for the
distinctive aroma of spices.

20. Refrences
http://theleafonline.com/c/science/2014/09/terpene-
profile-limonene/
https://www.medicaljane.com/category/cannabis-
classroom/terpenes/#terpenes-in-cannabis
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/818675-overview

21. Done & Done 