(+)-Pulegone is a cyclic monoterpene ketone that occurs naturally in the essential oils of plants in the mint family, such as pennyroyal. The molecule has a stereogenic centre, and TCI supplies it as the (+)-enantiomer, so it is classified as a Chiral Building Block within asymmetric synthesis. In the laboratory, (+)-Pulegone serves as a "chiral pool" starting material. This means it is a natural source of chirality that chemists use to build target molecules with a defined stereochemical configuration, without having to create the stereocentre from scratch.
Chemists choose this compound because it combines chirality that is already in place with reactive functional groups. Its structure contains a ketone conjugated with an exocyclic double bond. This arrangement lets it undergo conjugate addition, reduction, ozonolysis and a range of other transformations, so one starting material can lead to many different synthetic routes. Pulegone is also known as a precursor to other terpenoids and to menthane derivatives. It is sold by volume (mL), which means it is a liquid. That makes it easy to measure out with a pipette or syringe when setting up a reaction.
Indonesia has many plants that produce essential oils, and universities and research institutes across the country are active in natural product chemistry and organic synthesis. In these laboratories, (+)-Pulegone is useful both as a reference compound for terpenoid studies and as a chiral starting material in synthetic projects. Research groups in organic chemistry, pharmacy and phytochemistry can use it in student research, thesis work and method development that needs an enantiomerically defined natural building block.
TCI brochures (PDF)
- Terpenes 2025-09-22 · p. 4
- Chiral pool synthesis: (+)-Pulegone provides a ready-made stereogenic centre from a natural source, so chemists can reach targets with a defined configuration without building chirality from scratch.
- Conjugate addition studies: its ketone is conjugated with an exocyclic double bond, which makes it a good substrate for exploring conjugate addition reactions on a chiral cyclic framework.
- Reduction and ozonolysis transformations: the conjugated enone system can undergo reduction or ozonolysis, so one chiral starting material can lead to several different functionalised intermediates.
- Terpenoid and menthane derivative synthesis: Pulegone is a known precursor to other terpenoids and menthane derivatives, which suits research programs focused on monoterpene chemistry.
- Natural product and essential oil research: as a monoterpene ketone found in mint-family essential oils, it suits phytochemistry studies on the components of aromatic plants.
| Brand | TCI (product code P2331) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 89-82-7 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Asymmetric Synthesis > Chiral Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | supplied by volume (mL); see the product listing for available sizes |
| Physical form | liquid, supplied as the (+)-enantiomer |
| Storage | follow the conditions on the TCI label and Safety Data Sheet |
Keep (+)-Pulegone in its original tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat, ignition sources and direct sunlight. Always follow the specific storage conditions on the TCI label and Safety Data Sheet. Because it is a liquid, use clean glass pipettes or syringes to transfer it, and reseal the container promptly to reduce evaporation and contamination. Handle it in a fume hood while wearing gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, and don't breathe in the vapour. Dispose of waste according to institutional chemical-waste procedures.
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