Picrocrocin
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| Names | |
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| IUPAC name
4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-
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| Preferred IUPAC name
(4R)-2,6,6-Trimethyl-4-{[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy}cyclohex-1-ene-1-carbaldehyde | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C16H26O7 | |
| Molar mass | 330.37 g/mol |
| Density | 1.31 g/mL |
| Melting point | 154 to 156 °C (309 to 313 °F; 427 to 429 K) |
| Boiling point | 520.4 °C (968.7 °F; 793.5 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Picrocrocin is a monoterpene glycoside precursor of safranal. It is found in the spice saffron, which comes from the crocus flower.[1] Picrocrocin has a bitter taste, and is the chemical most responsible for the taste of saffron.
During the drying process, picrocrocin liberates the aglycone (HTCC, C10H16O2) due to the action of the enzyme glucosidase. The aglycone is then transformed to safranal by dehydration. Picrocrocin is a degradation product of the carotenoid zeaxanthin.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Caballero-Ortega H, Pereda-Miranda R, Abdullaev FI (2007). "HPLC quantification of major active components from 11 different saffron (Crocus sativus L.) sources". Food Chemistry. 100 (3): 1126–1131. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.11.020.
- [citation needed] Pfander, H.; Schurtenberger, H. (1982). "Biosynthesis of C20-carotenoids in Crocus sativus". Phytochemistry. 21 (5): 1039–1042. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)82412-7.