| Description | Camphene, also known as 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]Heptane or 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane, is a member of the class of compounds known as bicyclic monoterpenoids. Bicyclic monoterpenoids are monoterpenoids containing exactly 2 rings, which are fused to each other. Monoterpenoids are terpenes that contain 10 carbon atoms and are comprised of two isoprene units. The biosynthesis of monoterpenes is known to occur mainly through the methyl-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids (PMID:7640522 ). Geranyl diphosphate (GPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic monoterpenes. GPP undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield a diverse number of cyclic arrangements. Camphene is nearly insoluble in water but very soluble in common organic solvents. It volatilizes readily at room temperature and has a pungent smell. It exists as a flammable, white solid that has a minty, citrus, eucalyptus odor. It is produced industrially by catalytic isomerization of the more common alpha-pinene. Camphene is used in the preparation of fragrances and in food additives for flavouring. In the mid-19th century it was used as a fuel for lamps, but this was limited by its explosiveness. Camphene exists in all eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to plants to humans. Camphene can be found in a number of food items such as dill, carrots, caraway, hyssop, lemon, orange, nutmeg seed, parsley, sage, thyme, turmeric and fennel, which makes camphene a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. It is a minor constituent of many essential oils such as turpentine, cypress oil, camphor oil, citronella oil, neroli, ginger oil, and valerian. Camphene is one of several monoterpenes that are found in cannabis plants (PMID:6991645 ). |
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