Sesquiterpene
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Sagebrushsjc.jpg/220px-Sagebrushsjc.jpg)
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be acyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modifications such as oxidation or rearrangement produce the related sesquiterpenoids.[1]
Sesquiterpenes are found naturally in plants and insects, as semiochemicals, e.g. defensive agents or pheromones.
Biosynthesis and examples
The reaction of geranyl pyrophosphate with isopentenyl pyrophosphate results in the 15-carbon farnesyl pyrophosphate, which is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes such as farnesene.[2][3]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Farnesylpyrophosphat.svg/300px-Farnesylpyrophosphat.svg.png)
Cyclic sesquiterpenes are more common than cyclic monoterpenes because of the increased chain length and additional double bond in the sesquiterpene precursors. In addition to common six-membered ring systems such as is found in zingiberene (a constituent of the oil from ginger), cyclization of one end of the chain to the other end can lead to macrocyclic rings such as humulene.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Zingiberene.png/100px-Zingiberene.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Cadinene.png/100px-Cadinene.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/%28S%29-Humulone.svg/100px-%28S%29-Humulone.svg.png)
The cadinenes contain two fused six-membered rings. Caryophyllene, a component of many essential oils such as clove oil, contains a nine-membered ring fused to a cyclobutane ring.
Vetivazulene and guaiazulene are aromatic bicyclic sesquiterpenoids.
With the addition of a third ring, the possible structures become increasingly varied. Examples include longifolene, copaene and the alcohol patchoulol.
Sesquiterpenoids
The FPP backbone can be rearranged in several different ways and further decorated with different functional groups, hence the large variety of sesquiterpenoids. Geosmin, the volatile compound that gives an earthy taste and musty odor in drinking water and the characteristic odor on a rainy day, is a sesquiterpenoid, produced by bacteria, especially cyanobacteria, that are present in the soils and water supplies.[4] Oxidation of farnesene then provides the sesquiterpenoid farnesol.
Dictyophorine A and B
Two sesquiterpenes named dictyophorine A and B were identified from the fungus Phallus indusiatus. These compounds are based on the eudesmane skeleton (a common structure found in plant-derived flavors and fragrances), and they are the first eudesmane derivatives isolated from fungi. The dictyophorines promote the synthesis of nerve growth factor in astroglial cells.[5]
Footnotes
- ^ Eberhard Breitmaier (2006). "Sesquiterpenes". Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones. doi:10.1002/9783527609949.ch3. ISBN 9783527609949.
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(help) - ^ "Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and Diterpenes". Topics in Current Chemistry. 209: 53–95. 2000. doi:10.1007/3-540-48146-X_2.
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ignored (help) - ^ Chizzola, Remigius (2013), "Regular Monoterpenes and Sesquiterpenes (Essential Oils)", Natural Products, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 2973–3008, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-22144-6_130, ISBN 9783642221439
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ignored (|name-list-style=
suggested) (help) - ^ Izaguirre G, Taylor WD (June 1995). "Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol production in a major aqueduct system". Water Science and Technology. 31 (11): 41–48. doi:10.1016/0273-1223(95)00454-u.
- ^ Kawagishi, Hirokazu (July 1997). "Dictyophorines A and B, two stimulators of NGF-synthesis from the mushroom Dictyophora indusiata". Phytochemistry. 45 (6). Elsevier: 1203–1205. doi:10.1016/s0031-9422(97)00144-1. PMID 9272967.
External links
- Sesquiterpenes at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)