MOLECULE

beta-Carotene

beta-Carotene, also known as b-karotin or β-carotene, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as carotenes. These are a type of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing eight consecutive isoprene units. They are characterized by the presence of two end-groups (mostly cyclohexene rings, but also cyclopentene rings or acyclic groups) linked by a long branched alkyl chain. Carotenes belonging form a subgroup of the carotenoids family. Thus, beta-carotene is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. beta-Carotene is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. beta-Carotene is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.