Fenchol or 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol is a
monoterpenoid and an
isomer
In chemistry, isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formulae – that is, same number of atoms of each element – but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. Isomerism is existence or possibility of isomers.
Iso ...
of
borneol
Borneol is a bicyclic organic compound and a terpene derivative. The hydroxyl group in this compound is placed in an '' endo'' position. The exo diastereomer is called isoborneol. Being chiral, borneol exists as enantiomers, both of which are foun ...
. It is a colorless or white solid. It occurs widely in nature.
The naturally occurring
enantiomere (1''R'')-endo-(+)-fenchol is used extensively in
perfumery
Perfume (, ; french: parfum) is a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds (fragrances), fixatives and solvents, usually in liquid form, used to give the human body, animals, food, objects, and living-spaces an agreeable scent. Th ...
. Fenchol gives
basil its characteristic scent, and comprises 15.9% of the volatile oils of some species of
''Aster''.
It is
biosynthesized from
geranyl pyrophosphate via isomerization to
linalyl pyrophosphate.
Oxidation of fenchol gives
fenchone
Fenchone is an organic compound classified as a monoterpenoid and a ketone. It is a colorless oily liquid. It has a structure and an odor similar to those of camphor. Fenchone is a constituent of absinthe and the essential oil of fennel. Fen ...
.
References
{{reflist
External links
3D-image
Secondary alcohols
Monoterpenes