Camphene Explained

Camphene is a bicyclic organic compound. It is one of the most pervasive monoterpenes. As with other terpenes, it is insoluble in water, flammable, colorless, and has a pungent smell. It is a minor constituent of many essential oils such as turpentine, cypress oil, camphor oil, citronella oil, neroli, ginger oil, valerian, and mango.^[1] It is produced industrially by isomerization of the more common alpha-pinene using a solid acid catalyst such as titanium dioxide.^[2]

Camphene is used in the preparation of fragrances and as a food additive for flavoring. These include isobornyl acetate.

Biosynthesis

Camphene is biosynthesized from linalyl pyrophosphate via a sequence of carbocationic intermediates.^[3]

References

1. 10.1021/jf0402633. Volatile Components from Mango (Mangifera indicaL.) Cultivars. 2005. Pino. Jorge A.. Mesa. Judith. Muñoz. Yamilie. Martí. M. Pilar. Marbot. Rolando. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 53. 6. 2213–2223. 15769159.
2. Book: 10.1002/0471238961.2005181602120504.a01.pub2. Terpenoids . Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology . 2006 . Sell . Charles S. . 0471238961 .
3. 3392006. 1988. Croteau. R.. Satterwhite. D. M.. Cane. D. E.. Chang. C. C.. Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes. Enantioselectivity in the Enzymatic Cyclization of (+)- and (-)-Linalyl Pyrophosphate to (+)- and (-)-Pinene and (+)- and (-)-Camphene. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 263. 21. 10063–71. 10.1016/S0021-9258(19)81477-1 . free .