Chemical Class: Monoterpene Lactones

Monoterpenes are hydrocarbons with 10 carbon atoms. [Sequiterpenes have 15, di-terpenes 20, tri-terpenes 30 and tetra-terpenes (the carotenes) 40]. A Lactone is a cyclic ester (a carbon ring with an oxygen atom within it) and with a ketone group [=O] attached to the same ring.

THe author isn't sure about the existence of monoterpene lactones, but just invented this category for those lactones with fewer carbon atoms that those of sesquiterpene lactones.

MONOTERPENE LACTONES

BUTENOLIDES

Butenolides are lactones consisting of a 4-carbon heterocyclic ring with an oxygen atom within the ring, making a 5-membered ring.










DERIVATIVES








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Chemical Class: Monoterpene Lactones

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