Correct option is D
Terpenes are a large class of natural products made up of isoprene (C₅H₈) units, and they are classified based on the number of isoprene units they contain. They have wide applications in medicine, agriculture, and perfumery.
Statement A: Monoterpenes are five-carbon compounds. Incorrect
- Monoterpenes are made of two isoprene units, which means they contain 10 carbon atoms (C₁₀H₁₆).
- Hence, monoterpenes are 10-carbon compounds, not five-carbon.
- Five-carbon units are isoprene units, not monoterpenes.
- Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Statement B: The anti-malarial drug, artemisinin is a sesquiterpene. Correct
- Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone, derived from three isoprene units (C₁₅).
- It is isolated from Artemisia annua and is widely used in the treatment of malaria.
- Hence, this statement is correct.
Statement C: Azadirachtin is a triterpene derivative from the seed oil of the Asian neem tree. Correct
- Azadirachtin is a triterpenoid compound (C₃₀) derived from six isoprene units.
- It is extracted from the seeds of Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) and is used as an insect repellent and growth inhibitor.
- Hence, this statement is correct.
Statement D: Taxol is a diterpene derivative used in cancer treatment. Correct
- Taxol (paclitaxel) is a diterpene alkaloid, composed of four isoprene units (C₂₀).
- It is extracted from the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia).
- It is used as a chemotherapeutic agent, particularly effective in treating breast and ovarian cancers.
- Hence, this statement is correct.
