Myrcene

Other comments :

Myrcene has a very singular note of caper, making a distinction with other terpenes.

Stability :

Terpenes tend to polymerize by oxydation.
Very unstable in alkaline functional bases as soap. In this base, its smell in not percievable. Also unstable in candle bases.

Uses in perfumery :

Myrcene allows to change an apricot into a mango and to add a terpenic facet to floral notes.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Myrcene has many isomers with the same formula: D-Limonene, alpha-Pinene and beta-Pinene are part of it, but do not share the same smell.

Synthesis precursor :

Myrcene is a terpene precursor to the synthesis of many compounds of olfactory interest. It is an intermediate in the synthesis of Geraniol, Nerol and Linalool: an attack with hydrochloric acid followed by an esterification on the compound obtained allows to synthesize them. A protection of two alcene functions of this molecule allows to synthesize Myrcenol. It may be the starting point for the synthesis of Citronellal and Hydroxycitronellal. A reaction with diethylamine makes it a major precursor in the synthesis of L-Menthol. Finally, it is the precursor to the synthesis of Iso E Super® by a Diels-Alder reaction with 3-methyl-3-penten-2-one.

Natural availability :

Myrcene is found in many plants. The main sources of natural Myrcene are Celery Leaf EO (up to 35%), Lemongrass EO (up to 15%) and Microstrobos fitzgeraldii leaf (up to 25%), found in Australia.

Synthesis route :

Myrcene is synthesized by a pyrolysis of beta-Pinene, which consists in heating this compound strongly (usually around 200°C) so that a particular bond breaks.