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Copaene, also known as α-copaene, is a naturally occurring compound present in plants like Curcuma amada and Pterodon emarginatus, among others, for which data is accessible. It's an oily liquid hydrocarbon commonly found in various essential oil-producing plants. The term "copaene" originates from the resin-producing tropical copaiba tree, Copaifera langsdorffii, from which it was first isolated in 1914. Its structure, along with its chirality, was determined in 1963. Another form, β-copaene, with a double-bond isomer containing an exocyclic-methylene group, was identified in 1967. Chemically, copaenes belong to the category of tricyclic sesquiterpenes. These molecules exhibit chirality, with the α-copaene enantiomer typically found in higher plants displaying a negative optical rotation of approximately -6°. Occasionally, the rare (+)-α-copaene is detected in small quantities in certain plants. The presence of (+)-α-copaene is noteworthy due to its strong attraction to an agricultural pest, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata.

GHS Hazard Statements

H226 (50%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H304 (50%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

H315 (50%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

Chemical and Physical Properties

Computed Properties