MOLECULE

gamma-Carotene

gamma-Carotene, also known as γ-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, gamma-carotene is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. gamma-Carotene is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. gamma-Carotene is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.