Diterpenes

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 18.04.2024

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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.

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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.

Diterpenes (cyclic diterpenes and their meaning)
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)

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Last updated on: 18.04.2024