Tetraterpene

Tetraterpenes are terpenes consisting of eight isoprene units and have the molecular formula C₄₀H₆₄.^[1] Tetraterpenoids are tetraterpenes that have been modified by chemical transformations such as oxidation or cyclization.

Tetraterpenes include:

• Phytoene

Biologically important tetraterpenoids include:

• Carotenoids, such as the acyclic lycopene, the monocyclic γ-carotene, and the bicyclic α- and β-carotenes.
• Xanthophylls, pigments distributed widely in nature

References