Caryophyllin is an organic compound that is used as a food preservative. Its spelling can be a bit tricky due to its scientific origin. The word is pronounced /kəˌriːoʊˈfɪlɪn/ (kuh-ree-oh-fil-in), with the stress on the third syllable. The first syllable, "car," comes from Greek "karyon," meaning nut, and the second syllable, "phyll," stems from Greek "phyllon," meaning leaf. Both indicate the compound's natural origin. The ending "-in" commonly shows a compound's function or class. Knowing the phonetic transcription makes spelling caryophyllin much more straightforward.
Caryophyllin is a term used in various scientific contexts, mainly within the fields of organic chemistry and botany. In organic chemistry, caryophyllin refers to a class of chemical compounds that belong to the family of cyclohexanoids, specifically derived from caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon. Caryophyllins are characterized by a bicyclic structure composed of two six-membered carbon rings fused together. They are known for their aromatic and spicy scent, often found in essential oils derived from plants such as cloves, black pepper, or lavender.
In botany, caryophyllin relates to the plant pigment found in certain flowers, usually deep red or purple in color. This pigment, known as anthocyanin, serves as a visual attractant for pollinators such as bees or butterflies. The presence of caryophyllin in these flowers contributes to their vibrant hues, enhancing their visibility and increasing the likelihood of successful pollination.
Overall, caryophyllin is a term commonly used to describe the chemical compounds derived from caryophyllene in organic chemistry and the plant pigments found in certain flowers in botany. Its aromatic and spicy nature, along with its role in flower coloration, make it an important concept within these scientific fields.
An odorless, tasteless, crystallizable body, C10H16O, from oil of cloves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "caryophyllin" is derived from the Greek word "karuophullon", which is a compound of "karuon" meaning "nut" and "phullon" meaning "leaf". This term was originally used to refer to a natural red pigment derived from the cochineal insect. Later, it was given to a class of chemical compounds known as the caryophyllins, which include substances such as certain alkaloids and compounds found in essential oils.