triterpane

Triterpanes are a class of organic compounds belonging to the isoprenoid family. They are characterized by a carbon skeleton composed of thirty carbon atoms, built from six isoprene units. The fundamental structure of a triterpane is a fused ring system, typically consisting of four six-membered rings and one five-membered ring, though variations exist. These compounds are widely distributed in nature, particularly in plants, where they often occur as secondary metabolites. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway or the methylerythritol phosphate pathway, leading to the formation of squalene, which then cyclizes to form the basic triterpane skeleton.

Triterpanes exhibit a wide range of chemical structures and biological activities. Many triterpanes are oxygenated, forming triterpenoids, which are often found in plants as saponins, steroids, and carotenoids. Common examples include lanosterol and cycloartenol, which are precursors to steroids in animals and plants, respectively. Other notable triterpanes and triterpenoids have been investigated for their potential pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer effects. Their presence in fossil fuels, such as petroleum and bitumens, also makes them valuable biomarkers for geochemical studies, providing insights into the origin and maturity of organic matter.