MOLECULE

alpha-Caryophyllene alcohol

Alpha-Caryophyllene alcohol also called alpha-Caryophyllenol is a derivative of alpha-Caryophyllene. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sesquiterpenoids. It is formally classified as a polycyclic hydrocarbon although it is biochemically a bicyclic sesquiterpenoid as it is synthesized via multiple isoprene units. Sesquiterpenoids are terpenes that contain 15 carbon atoms and are comprised of three isoprene units. The biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes is known to occur mainly through the mevalonic acid pathway (MVA), in the cytosol. However, recent studies have found evidence of pathway crosstalk with the methyl-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the cytosol. Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic sesquiterpenes. FPP undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield a diverse number of cyclic arrangements. Alpha-Caryophyllene alcohol exists as a white, crystalline powder. It is a neutral, hydrophobic molecule that is insoluble in water. Alpha-Caryophyllene is an approved food additive and has a woody, spicy or earthy aroma. It is a naturally occurring substance found in a number of foods or plants including black pepper, allspice and guava fruit. It was first synthesized by E.J. Corey in 1964 ( https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00952a036). Alpha-Caryophyllene alcohol is one of more than 140 terpenoids that are found in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645) and the combination of these terpenoids produces the skunky, fruity odor characteristic of C. savita.