Valencene is a
sesquiterpene
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and often have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be cyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modificat ...
that is an aroma component of
citrus
''Citrus'' is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes. The genus ''Citrus'' is native to ...
fruit and citrus-derived odorants. It is obtained inexpensively from Valencia
oranges
An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae (see list of plants known as orange); it primarily refers to ''Citrus'' × ''sinensis'', which is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related ''Citrus × ...
. Valencene is
biosynthesized
Biosynthesis is a multi-step, enzyme- catalyzed process where substrates are converted into more complex products in living organisms. In biosynthesis, simple compounds are modified, converted into other compounds, or joined to form macromolecules ...
from
farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) by the
CVS enzyme.
It is a precursor to
nootkatone
Nootkatone is a natural organic compound, a sesquiterpenoid, and a ketone that is the most important and expensive aromatic of grapefruit, and which also occurs in other organisms.
Previously, nootkatone was thought to be one of the main chemic ...
, the main contributor to the aroma and flavor of
grapefruit and is often used in insecticides, cleaning, personal care products and cosmetics.
References
{{Terpenes
Sesquiterpenes
Decalins
Alkene derivatives
Cyclohexenes