Terpenoids and its

Classification

Presented by : Rabia Saeed (271070)

Degree : BS Botany
Presented To : Dr. Afzal Naeem
Contents
Definition
Introduction
Structure of terpenoids
Secondary metabolites
Distribution and Occurrence
Classification
What are Terpenoids?

Terpenoids are modern hydrocarbons of plant origin of the

general formula (C5H8)n as well as their oxygenated,
hydrogenated and dehydrogenated derivatives
 Introduction
Terpenoids are the large group
of volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons
found in the essential oils of plants,
especially conifers and citrus trees.

Terpenes are secondary metabolites

They occur widely in the leaves and

fruits of higher plants
 Structure of Terpenes
Terpenoids form large and
structurally diverse family of natural
products derived from C5 isoprene
units joined in head-to-tail fashion
There general formula is (C5H8)n
where n is the number of linked
isoprene units
 Secondary metabolites
These are non-essential

These compounds do not have

continuous production

Produced during non-growth of

cell
Alkaloids
Terpens
Alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, Phenolics

lignin etc
 Distribution and Occurance
Widely distributed in certain palnts including Pinaceae,
Lauraceae, Rutaceae, Umbelliferae etc

Cinamon.................bark and leaves

Mints....................glandular hairs of the stem and leaves

Umbelliferous fruits................pricarp

Rose...............petals
CLASSIFICATION
 On the basis of no. of carbon atoms

Sr. No. No. Of carbon Value of n Class

atom

1. 10 2 Monoterpenoids
2. 15 3 Sesquiterpenoids

3. 20 4 Diterpenoids
4. 25 5 Sesterterpenoids
5. 30 6 Triterpenoids
6. 40 8 Tetraterpenoids
Hemiterpenes are the simplest terpenes. The number of known
hemiterpene aglycones is less than 100. Most of them occur as oils,
and mostly water insoluble, but some sugar containing molecules
are water soluble.

Monoterpenes consist of 10 carbon atoms with two isoprene

units and molecular formula C H . They are extensively
10 16

distributed in secretory tissues such as oil glands or chambers and

resin canals of higher plants, insects, fungi and marine organisms.
Sesquiterpenes are the class of secondary
metabolites consisting of three isoprene units
(C15H24). They occur in nature as hydrocarbons or
in oxygenated forms including lactones, alcohols,
acids, aldehydes, and ketones.

Diterpenoids belong to a versatile class of chemical

constituents found in different natural sources
having C20H32 molecular formula and four isoprene
units. In nature, they are commonly found in a
polyoxygenated form with keto and hydroxyl groups.
 On the basis of no. of rings
Acyclic Terpenoids: They contain an
open structure.
Monocyclic Terpenoids: They contain
one ring in the structure
Bicyclic Terpenoids: They contain two
rings in the structure.
Tricyclic Terpenoids: They contain
three rings in the structure.
Tetracyclic Terpenoids: They contain
four rings in the structure.