Phellandrene
Phellandrenes are a pair of organic compounds that have a similar molecular structure and similar chemical properties. α-Phellandrene and β-phellandrene are cyclic monoterpenes and are double-bond isomers. In α-phellandrene, both double bonds are endocyclic and in β-phellandrene, one of them is exocyclic. Both are insoluble in water, but miscible with ether.
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Names | |||
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IUPAC names
α: 2-Methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene β: 3-Methylene-6-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexene | |||
Identifiers | |||
3D model (JSmol) |
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ChEBI |
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ChemSpider | |||
ECHA InfoCard | 100.014.121 | ||
EC Number |
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KEGG | |||
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Properties[1] | |||
C10H16 | |||
Molar mass | 136.24 g/mol | ||
Appearance | Colorless oil (α and β) | ||
Density | α: 0.846 g/cm3 β: 0.85 g/cm3 | ||
Boiling point | α: 171-172 °C β: 171-172 °C | ||
Insoluble (α and β) | |||
Hazards | |||
GHS pictograms | |||
GHS Signal word | Danger | ||
GHS hazard statements |
H226, H304 | ||
P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P280, P301+310, P303+361+353, P331, P370+378, P403+235, P405, P501 | |||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |||
Infobox references | |||
α-Phellandrene was named after Eucalyptus phellandra, now called Eucalyptus radiata, from which it can be isolated.[2] It is also a constituent of the essential oil of Eucalyptus dives.[3] β-Phellandrene has been isolated from the oil of water fennel and Canada balsam oil.
The phellandrenes are used in fragrances because of their pleasing aromas. The odor of β-phellandrene has been described as peppery-minty and slightly citrusy.
The α-phellandrene isomer can form hazardous and explosive peroxides on contact with air at elevated temperatures.[4]
Biosynthesis
The biosynthesis of phellandrene begins with dimethylallyl pyrophosphate and isopentenyl pyrophosphate condensing in an SN1 reaction to form geranyl pyrophosphate. The resultant monoterpene undergoes cyclization to form a menthyl cationic species. A hydride shift then forms an allylic carbocation. Finally, an elimination reaction occurs at one of two positions, yielding either α-phellandrene or β-phellandrene.[5]
References
- The Merck Index, 12th Edition, 7340, 7341
- Jacobs, S.W.L., Pickard, J., Plants of New South Wales, 1981, ISBN 0-7240-1978-2.
- Boland, D.J., Brophy, J.J., and A.P.N. House, Eucalyptus Leaf Oils, 1991, ISBN 0-909605-69-6.
- Urben, Peter (2007). Bretherick's Handobook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 1 (7 ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 1154.
- Dewick, Paul M. Medicinal natural products : a biosynthetic approach (3rd ed.). Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom. ISBN 9780470741689. OCLC 259265604.