Cadinanes

Cadinanes are a group of sesquiterpenes, which are naturally occurring organic compounds with a characteristic 15-carbon skeleton. They are derived from the farnesyl pyrophosphate precursor and are widespread in the plant kingdom, particularly in essential oils of various species. The cadinane skeleton is characterized by a bicyclic structure with a cyclohexene ring fused to a five-membered ring, containing a characteristic isopropyl group. There are several stereoisomers of cadinanes due to the presence of chiral centers.

The most well-known cadinane is likely delta-cadinene, which is a common component of many plant essential oils, including those from juniper, cypress, and cumin. Other notable cadinanes include alpha-cadinene, gamma-cadinene, and epsilon-cadinene, each differing in the position of double bonds within the ring system or in stereochemistry. These compounds are often found together in complex mixtures within plant extracts.

Cadinanes contribute to the aroma profiles of the plants in which they are found, playing a role in the characteristic scents of spices and woody plants. They have been investigated for various biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. While their exact ecological roles are not fully understood, they are believed to be involved in plant defense mechanisms. Their presence and variety can be indicative of plant species and can be used in chemotaxonomic studies.