MOLECULE

cis-β-ocimene

Cis-β-Ocimene or cis-Beta-Ocimene is a naturally occurring organic compound found within a variety of plants and fruits. It is formally classified as an alkatriene although it is biochemically an acyclic monoterpene as it synthesized via multiple isoprene units. Acyclic monoterpens do not contain a cycle. 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). There are three known Ocimene isomers including Alpha-, cis-Beta and trans-Beta-Ocimene. Alpha-Ocimene is known as 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene. Beta-Ocimene is known as 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene. Beta-Ocimene exists in two stereoisomeric forms, cis and trans, with respect to the central double bond. The ocimenes are often found naturally as mixtures of the various forms. Ocimenes are believed to act as plant defense chemicals and have anti-fungal properties. Cis-β-Ocimene is a neutral, very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water. It exists as a pale, colorless oil. cis-Beta-Ocimene has a warm, floral, sweet odor and has a spicy, green, metallic taste. It is found naturally in a number of plants and foods including allspice, anise, basil, bay leaf, caraway seed, celery, cinnamon, coriander, dill, fennel, grapefruit, guava, lavender, lemons, limes, mandarin oranges, papaya and parsley. Cis-β-Ocimene is one of more than 140 monoterpenes that are found in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645) and the combination of these terpenoids produces the skunky, fruity odor characteristic of C. savita.