Ocimene

Ocimene refers to a group of isomeric hydrocarbons found in a variety of plants and fruits. It is characterized by its pleasant odor and is utilized in perfumery. The compound exists in different forms, including α-ocimene, cis-β-ocimene, and trans-β-ocimene, differing mainly in the position of the double bonds. Ocimene is notable for its sweet herbal scent and is believed to have plant defense and anti-fungal properties. It’s also found in cannabis, contributing to its aroma profile.

Chemical Structure:

• Ocimenes are a group of isomeric hydrocarbons.
• α-Ocimene is cis-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene.
• β-Ocimene is trans-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene.
• β-Ocimene exists in two stereoisomeric forms, cis and trans.

Properties:

• Ocimenes are oils with a pleasant odor.
• They are nearly insoluble in water but soluble in common organic solvents.
• Like myrcene, ocimenes are unstable in air.

Occurrence:

• Ocimenes are monoterpenes found in various plants and fruits.
• They are often found naturally as mixtures of different forms.
• Found in basil, bay leaves, and hops oils.
• Derived from the plant genus Ocimum, meaning basil in Ancient Greek.
• Believed to act as plant defense and have anti-fungal properties.

Usage:

• Ocimenes are used in perfumery for their sweet herbal scent.
• Believed to have anti-fungal properties.
• Found in oils of basil, bay leaves, and hops.
• Used as a flavor and fragrance ingredient.
• Often used in aromatherapy due to their pleasant odor.

References:

• CID 5281553 — PubChem Compound Summary.
• SCLabs, Beyond Aroma: Terpenes in cannabis.
• Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
• Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones.
• Acyclic monoterpenoid trienes found in basil, bay leaves, and hops oils.

Ocimene Data Sources