Beta-Caryophyllene

Synthesis route :

Beta-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene. This means that it has three units of Isoprenes. Isoprene is a five carbon atoms diene, constituting a basis for the synthesis of terpenes by Diels-Alder reactions. Thus, Caryophylene can be synthesized from isoprene, or other easily obtainable terpenes, to shorten the synthesis.

Synthesis precursor :

Beta-Caryophyllene can be a precursor to the synthesis of other terpenes, by a Diels-Alder reaction for example.

Isomerism :

In perfumery, the most used Caryophyllene is beta-Caryophyllene. When the unsaturation of this molecule is delocalized, alpha-Caryophyllene (alpha-humulene) and gamma-Caryophyllene have a smell quite similar to the beta isomer: terpenic and sweet at the same time. Valencene is a constitutional isomer of beta-Caryophyllene, although, its smell is more citrus and green.