Myrcene

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Myrcene[1]
beta-myrcene
IUPAC name 7-Methyl-3-methylene-
1,6-octadiene
Identifiers
CAS number [123-35-3]
SMILES C=C(CC/C=C(C)/C)C=C
Properties
Molecular formula C10H16
Molar mass 136.23 g/mol
Density 0.794 g/cm3
Boiling point

165 °C

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Myrcene, or β-myrcene, is an olefinic natural organic compound. It is classified as a hydrocarbon and a monoterpene. It is obtained from the essential oil from the plants bay, verbena, myrcia (from which is gets its name) and others. It can also be synthesized by the pyrolysis of pinene.

Myrcene is one of the most important chemicals used in the perfumery industry. Because of its pleasant odor, it is occasionally used directly. But it is also highly valued as an intermediate for the preparation of flavor and fragrance chemicals such as menthol, citral, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, nerol, and linalool.

α-Myrcene is the name for the structural isomer 2-methyl-6-methylene-1,7-octadiene which is not found in nature.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Merck Index, 11th Edition, 6243.