Triterpene

Squalene: One of the most important triterpenes

Hopane: An example of a pentacyclic triterpene

Triterpenes are a class of terpenes composed of six isoprene units with the molecular formula C₃₀H₄₈; they may also be thought of as consisting of three terpene units. Animals, plants and fungi all produce triterpenes, including squalene, the precursor to all steroids.^[1]^[2]

^ Eberhard Breitmaier (2006). "Triterpenes". Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones. pp. 86–108. doi:10.1002/9783527609949.ch6. ISBN 9783527609949.
^ Davis, Edward M.; Croteau, Rodney (2000). "Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and Diterpenes". Topics in Current Chemistry. 209: 53–95. doi:10.1007/3-540-48146-X_2. ISBN 978-3-540-66573-1.

[1] Eberhard Breitmaier (2006). "Triterpenes". Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones. pp. 86–108. doi:10.1002/9783527609949.ch6. ISBN 9783527609949.

[Crot-2] Davis, Edward M.; Croteau, Rodney (2000). "Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and Diterpenes". Topics in Current Chemistry. 209: 53–95. doi:10.1007/3-540-48146-X_2. ISBN 978-3-540-66573-1.

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