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

Additional Information

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

Authority

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

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