Germacrenes are a class of volatile organic hydrocarbons, specifically, sesquiterpenes. Germacrenes are typically produced in a number of plant species for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, though they also play a role as insect pheromones. Two prominent molecules are germacrene A and germacrene D.
Structures
Germacrene has five isomers.
Natural occurrences
The essential oils of red deadnettle and hedgenettles are characterized by their high contents of germacrene D, as is Clausena anisata.
General
Germacrene A
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