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absinthin
EntityQ332313· pop 16· linked from 4 articles

Also known as Absynthin, (+)-absinthin

Absinthin is a naturally produced triterpene lactone from the plant Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood). It constitutes one of the most bitter chemical agents responsible for absinthe's distinct taste. The compound shows biological activity and has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, and should not be confused with thujone, a neurotoxin also found in Artemisia absinthium.

Wikidata facts

Mass
496.282489
Show 4 more facts
Commons category
Absinthin
chemical formula
C₃₀H₄₀O₆
canonical SMILES
CC1C2CCC(C3C4C5C=C(C6(C4C(=C3C2OC1=O)C)C5C(CCC7C6OC(=O)C7C)(C)O)C)(C)O
isomeric SMILES
C[C@H]1[C@@H]2CC[C@]([C@@H]3[C@H]4[C@H]5C=C([C@@]6([C@H]4C(=C3[C@H]2OC1=O)C)[C@@H]5[C@@](CC[C@@H]7[C@@H]6OC(=O)[C@H]7C)(C)O)C)(C)O
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5 sections
Contents
  • Chemical structure
  • Total synthesis
  • Biosynthesis
  • References
  • External links

Absinthin is a naturally produced triterpene lactone from the plant Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood). It constitutes one of the most bitter chemical agents responsible for absinthe's distinct taste. The compound shows biological activity and has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, and should not be confused with thujone, a neurotoxin also found in Artemisia absinthium.

==Chemical structure== Absinthin's (1) complex structure is classified as a sesquiterpene lactone, meaning it belongs to a large category of natural products chemically derived from 5-carbon "building blocks" (3) derived from isoprene (4). The complete structure consists of two identical monomers (2) that are attached via a suspected naturally occurring Diels Alder reaction occurring at the alkenes on the 5-membered ring of the guaianolide.

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