Diterpene

Description

A chemical class of C20 hydrocarbon compounds that constitute the natural resins obtained from trees in the Coniferae and Leguminosae families. Cyclic diterpenes follow three basic structural types: Abietic acid, pimaric acid, and labdane (Mills and White 1994). Examples of natural resins formed from diterpenoid compounds: Rosin, Venice turpentine, Strasbourg turpentine, Canada balsam, Copaiba balsam, Sandarac, and Copal.

Synonyms and Related Terms

diterpenoid resin

Resources and Citations

• John S. Mills, Raymond White, The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects, Butterworth Heineman, London, 2nd ed., 1994, pp 85-92.

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Chemical Compound." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. 16 July 2004 .