Pinocarvone

Pinocarvone is a terpenoid. Structurally, it is a bicyclic ketone.

Occurrence

Pinocarvone is an important component in the essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus. It is also found at a few percent in essential oils of other eucalyptus species. In several studies, it has been detected as a component of 25% or even 36% in hyssop oil.
Pinocarvone is also present in the pheromone of the Western Pine Beetle along with frontalin, verbenone, and myrtenol.

Properties and reactions

Under the influence of light or heat, pinocarvone polymerizes by reaction of its double bond to form a resin. Polymerization can also be carried out deliberately, for example by heating the compound in anisole.