Description
β-Ocimene is a monoterpene that has been found in a variety of plants and is a volatile compound involved in plant-plant signaling and plant defense against pests. It is emitted by tea (
C. sinensis) plants in response to a jasmonic acid combined with mechanical damage (JAMD) model of herbivore attack. β-Ocimene reduces the number of winged aphids (
M. persicae) that settle on Chinese cabbage and the feeding time and number of nymphs produced by aphids on leaves. The aphid endoparasitoid
A. gifuensis demonstrates a preference for β-ocimene-treated Chinese cabbage over control plants in a wind tube two-choice test. β-Ocimene (100-1,000 ppm) also has antioxidant activity in a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay.
Chemical Properties
3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-octatrine has a warm herbaceous odor.
Occurrence
Reported found in black currants, currant leaves, mentha pulegium oil, origanum oil, passion fruit, citrus peel
oils, guava, strawberry jam, cinnamon bark, Thymus vulgaris, hop oil, tea, soybean, parsnips, tarragon, origanum, Ocimum basilicum, curcuma, ouzo and pimento berry
Uses
Deuterium labelled analog of β-Ocimene, which is a monoterpenes found naturally in a variety of fruits and plants. It is also a product of linalool (L465950) reaction in the presence of Amberlyst-15 resin. The mixture of this compound, as well as its pure form, are oils with a pleasant odors, and thus can be used in fragrance, and perfumery industry.
Preparation
1) By thermal rearrangement of Pinene (type
of pyrolysis).
2) Ocimene can also be prepared from Lina- lool.
Definition
ChEBI: (E)-beta-ocimene is a beta-ocimene that consists of octa-1,3,6-triene bearing two methyl substituents at positions 3 and 7 (the 3E-isomer). It has a role as a plant metabolite.
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 40 ppm: green, tropical, woody with floral and vegetable nuances.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Synthesis
One-step synthesis of trans-beta-ocimene
