MOLECULE

Dehydro-p-cymene

para-Mentha-1,3,5,8-tetraene, also known as Dehydro-p-cymene, p-alpha-dimethyl-styrene, Habanene or p-Cymenene, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenylpropenes. Phenylpropenes are compounds containing a phenylpropene moiety, which consists of a propene substituent bound to a phenyl group. Dehydro-p-cymene is biochemically a monocyclic monoterpenoid as it is synthesized via isoprene units. Monoterpenoids are terpenes that contain 10 carbon atoms and are comprised of two isoprene units. The biosynthesis of monoterpenes is known to occur mainly through the methyl-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in plastids (PMID: 7640522). Geranyl diphosphate (GPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic monoterpenes. GPP undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield a diverse number of cyclic arrangements. Dehydro-p-cymene is a hydrophobic, neutral molecule that is insoluble in water. It exists as a clear, colorless oil. Dehydro-p-cymene has a herbaceous, leathery, peppery odor with notes of elemi oil and thyme, as well as a touch of citrus. It has an oregano, clove, basalmic, spicy taste. Dehydro-p-cymene is used as a flavoring agent for Italian dishes and for enhancing habanero spices. Dehydro-p-cymene is found in the highest concentration within star anises but it has also been detected in several different foods, such as lemons, coffee, dill, evergreen blackberries, parsley, citrus, sage, spearmint and pepper. Dehydro-p-cymene is one of more than 140 terpenes that are found in cannabis plants (PMID:6991645) and the combination of these terpenoids produces the skunky, fruity odor characteristic of C. savita.