Synonym(s)
Formally, diterpenes are composed of 4 isoprene residues; terpenes containing 20 C atoms, which are usually present as highly viscous oils or solid substances; which are hardly volatile with water vapours.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
The majority of diterpenes have polycyclic structures and are present as acids or substituted alcohols. One (acyclic) aliphatic representative of the acyclic diterpenes is the alcohol phytol. Phytol has physiological significance as an ester component of chlorophyll and as a component of vitamin K.
TablesThis section has been translated automatically.
| Meaning | Examples (occurrences) |
|---|---|
| Bitter substance | Carnosol (in Salvia officinalis) |
| Chromophore | Retinal (visual purple) |
| resin acid | Abietic acid (resins, colophony) |
| Hormones | Gibellerine (plants) |
| Vitamins | Vitamin A (egg yolk, cod liver oil) |
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles