Fenchone

Fenchone occurs as (1R,4S)-(?)-fenchone,, in fennel oils. It is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a camphoraceous odor.
(1S,4R)-(+)-Fenchone is prepared by dehydrogenation of (?)-fenchol. (?)-Fenchyl esters are obtained, alongwith other compounds, by addition of carboxylic acids to α-pinene. Hydrolysis of the esters yields (?)-fenchol. Fenchone is used to prepare artificial fennel oils and to perfume household products.

Fenchone is a monoterpene with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also inhibits β-secretase (BACE1), a drug target for Alzheimer''s disease.

Fenchone has a wide range of uses, such as:
1. constituent of absinthe and the essential oil of fennel
2. used to repel insects
3. used as flavor in candy and baked goods, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
4. used for soaps, detergents, perfumes, lotions

ChEBI: Fenchone is a carbobicyclic compound that is fenchane in which the hydrogens at position 2 are replaced by an oxo group. It is a component of essential oil from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a fenchane monoterpenoid, a cyclic terpene ketone and a carbobicyclic compound.

Not classified