Picture of Alpha-Pinene

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Alpha-Pinene  structure
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Picture of Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-Pinene is a monoterpene. It is a 10-carbon substance biosynthesized from two isoprene (2-methyl- 1,3-butadiene) units. In the this case a-Pinene contains the two isoprene units assembled into a complex cyclic structure. The isoprene units are joined head-to-tail.

Update by Karl Harrison
(Molecule of the Month for February 1998 )