Myrcene

Myrcene, or β-myrcene, is a colorless oil and a monoterpene widely found in essential oils of plants such as verbena, hops, and cannabis. It’s notable for its production primarily from the pyrolysis of β-pinene derived from turpentine. Myrcene plays a significant role in the fragrance and flavor industries, and its presence in cannabis contributes to the plant’s distinctive aroma.

Production of Myrcene

• Biosynthesis of myrcene from geranyl pyrophosphate in plants.
• Commercial production via pyrolysis of β-pinene from turpentine.
• Rare direct extraction from plants.
• Isomerization into linalyl pyrophosphate with the release of pyrophosphate and a proton.

Occurrence of Myrcene

• Extracted from various plants like verbena, wild thyme, cannabis, hops, and lemon grass.
• High myrcene content in plants such as Houttuynia, mango, Myrcia, and cardamom.
• Predominant in modern North American cannabis cultivars.
• Found in significant amounts in Adenandra villosa (50%) and Brazilian Schinus molle (40%), as well as in Myrcia cuprea, bay leaf, juniper berry, and hops.

Use of Myrcene in Fragrance and Flavor Industries

• Acts as an intermediate in the perfumery industry with a pleasant odor.
• Stabilized with alkylphenols or tocopherol for commercial use.
• Utilized in the preparation of flavor and fragrance chemicals like menthol, citral, and geraniol.
• Conversion to myrcenol for fragrances such as lavender.
• Contributes to a peppery and balsam aroma in beer.

Health and Safety Concerns

• Beta-myrcene has been added to California’s Prop 65 list of chemicals causing harm.

Related Information

• Reference to perfume allergy for further exploration.

Myrcene Data Sources