Terpenes
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Terpenes

The terpenes form another subcategory of lipids.

These are molecules which consist of two or more molecules of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, or isoprene, connected in various ways. (Example 3 in your workbook also shows the structure of isoprene and also a few of the terpenes that can be made from it.)
Structure of isoprene. [isoprene.jpg]
isoprene

A very large number of terpenes have been identified in plants. Many of these impart characteristic odors and flavors, such as menthol, pinene, limonene and camphor.

Structure of limonene. [limonene.jpg] Structure of menthol. [menthol.jpg] Structure of camphor. [camphor.jpg]
limonene menthol camphor

Natural rubber is a polymer consisting of thousands of isoprene units bonded together in long chains.

Structure of natural rubber. [rubber.jpg]
natural rubber

When you are in the lab, take a moment to select one of these terpene compounds and use the Merck Index to look up the compound and obtain a little bit of information about it. Find out what some of its uses are and also find out about its human toxicity, if there is any, by using the Merck Index. If you prefer, you could try doing an internet search to find out what you can about the compound. Then record your answers in Exercise 4 in your workbook.

 

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