Question

Sesquiterpene contains _______ number of isoprene units.

• A. \( 2 \)
• B. \( 3 \)
• C. \( 4 \)
• D. \( 5 \)

Hint:

Remember the prefixes: "mono" (1, but terpenes start with 2), "sesqui" (1.5, effectively meaning 3 halves or 3 units), "di" (2), "tri" (3), etc., in relation to the number of isoprene units.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Terpenes are a large class of natural products derived from isoprene units (C5H8). The number of isoprene units in a terpene determines its classification. Monoterpenes contain 2 isoprene units (C10), sesquiterpenes contain 3 isoprene units (C15), diterpenes contain 4 isoprene units (C20), and so on. Therefore, a sesquiterpene contains 3 isoprene units.