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TERPENES AND TERPENOIDS
Definition [adapted from Lewis’ Dictionary of Toxicology 1998] Terpene: Any of a large class of naturally-occurring saturated hydrocarbons produced by plants that are formed completely by 5-carbon isopentyl (isoprene) C5 units with the general formula (C5H8)n . Small terpenes give plants their characteristic odours. Large terpenes include carotinoids, squalene, vitamin A and natural rubber. Terpenoid: Any compound with an isoprenoid structure similar to that of terpenes. Camphor is a terpenoid.