IUPAC Name
(1S,2R,5S,7R)-2,6,6,8-tetramethyltricyclo[5.3.1.01,5]undec-8-ene
Cas Number
469-61-4
HS Code
29021900
Formula
C15H24
Industry
Pine Derivative
Appearance
Clear colourless to slightly yellowish liquid
Common Names
Alpha cedrene, cedr-8-ene, di-epi-alpha cedrene
Packaging
180 kg Galvanized Iron Drum, 14 MT / 20FCL
Alpha cedrene is one of the two isomers of cedrenes found in the essential oil of cedar. Cedrene is a sesquiterpene, which is a class of terpenes that consists of three isoprene units and often has the molecular formula C15H24. The two isomers found in cedarwood oil are alpha cedrene and beta cedrene, which differ in the position of a double bond. It is widely used as a solvent and intermediate to perfume.
Alpha cedrene is a component found in cedarwood oil. Cedarwood oil is commonly extracted from the wood of Texas Cedar, Virginia Cedar, or Chinese Cedar. Chinese cedarwood oil has a very different fragrance from Texas and Virginia cedarwood oil. The oil is recovered through the physical separation process of partial pressure steam distillation, where steam is passed through the plant material to separate the essential oil. Further distillation of the cedarwood oil separates alpha cedrene from other major components like beta cedrene, thujopsene, cuparene, cedrol, and widdrol.
Alpha cedrene is used as the starting material to synthesize acetyl cedrene, cedryl ketone, epoxy cedrene, and other important compounds in perfume. These derivatives obtained are used for the preparation of fragrances.
Alpha cedrene is widely used in the essence for cosmetics and toilet soap, and household or industrial-use flavor.