Myrcene

Myrcene, or β-myrcene, is an olefinic natural organic compound. It is classified as a hydrocarbon and a monoterpene. It is obtained from the essential oil from the plants bay, verbena, myrcia (from which is gets its name) and others. It can also be synthesized by the pyrolysis of pinene.

Myrcene is one of the most important chemicals used in the perfumery industry. Because of its pleasant odor, it is occasionally used directly. But it is also highly valued as an intermediate for the preparation of flavor and fragrance chemicals such as menthol, citral, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, nerol, and linalool.

α-Myrcene is the name for the structural isomer 2-methyl-6-methylene-1,7-octadiene which is not found in nature.