MOLECULE

Cedryl acetate

Cedryl acetate belongs to the class of organic compounds known as cedrane and isocedrane sesquiterpenoids. These are sesquiterpenoids with a structure based on the cedrane or the isocedrane skeleton. Isocedrane is a rearranged cedrane arising from the migration of a methyl group from the position 6 to the position 4. Sesquiterpenoides 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-eritritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastid (PMID: 19932496, 17710406). 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. Cedryl acetate is the acetylated derivative of cedrol. Cedrol is a tricyclic molecule based on a 3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methano-azulene moiety, bearing a tertiary hydroxyl group. Cedryl acetate is a pale-yellow viscous liquid to solid and has a sharp dry woody odor. Cedrol has been reported to show antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, insecticidal, and antifungal activities (PMID 25343299). Additionally, cedrol seems to be a potent attractant for female mosquitos during oviposition, which could make cedrol useful in the design of bait traps (PMID: 25885703). Cedrol acetate has also been detected as a volatile component in cannabis plant samples (PMID: 26657499).