Nerolidol

Nerolidol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found in the essential oils of various plants, including neroli, ginger, jasmine, and cannabis. It is known for its unique floral aroma, resembling that of fresh bark. Nerolidol has potential applications in pharmaceuticals due to its ability to enhance skin penetration of topical drugs. It also exhibits various biological activities, such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Synthesis and Occurrence of Nerolidol

• Nerolidol is synthesized from geranylacetone by the addition of vinyl Grignard reagent.
• It is used as a source of farnesol, vitamin E, and vitamin K1.
• Significant natural sources include Cabreuva oil and the oil of Dalbergia parviflora.
• Present in neroli, ginger, jasmine, lavender, tea tree, Cannabis sativa, and lemon grass.
• Dominant scent compound in Brassavola nodosa.

Research and Publications

• Study on essential oils of flowers of Citrus sinensis and Citrus clementina cultivated in Algarve, Portugal.
• Published in Acta Horticulturae (773): 89–94.
• Authors: Miguel, M.G.; Dandlen, S.; Figueiredo, A.C.; Barroso, J.G.; Pedro, L.G.; Duarte, A.; Faisca, J.
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.773.12
• ISSN: 0567-7572.
• Study on nerolidol’s pharmacological and biological activities published in Molecules.
• Study on cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate and nerolidyl diphosphate in Plant Physiology.
• Book chapter on terpenoids in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.
• Book on the scent of orchids by Roman Kaiser.

Related Compounds

• Related compound: Linalool.
• Related compound: Farnesol.

References

• Merck Index, 11th Edition, 6388.

Additional Information

• Nerolidol is a versatile compound with various applications and sources in nature.
• Research and studies have explored its synthesis, occurrence, and potential pharmacological activities.
• The compound is associated with distinct scents in plants like orchids and is used in the production of essential oils.

Nerolidol Data Sources