Biogenesis of Damascone

The biogenesis of damascone starts from jS-carotene, which is enzymatically degraded. [32-34] The oxidative degradation of carotenoids [37] leads, for 

Component Proportion in rose oil (%)) Scent threshold (ppb) Units of scent Relative proportion of scent units (%) 

Since damascene is practically always detected together with ionones, the following genesis is also conceivable both, in vitro and, by analogy, in vivo. [36,37] Laboratory experiments suggest the following pathway  

In contrast to the laboratory experiment. Nature uses iron-protoporphyrin IX for the photochemical excitation of oxygen. 

Damascenes have a heavy, narcotically spicy scent, with undertones reminiscent of blackcurrants and prunes. The two enantiomers together amount at most to 0.15% by weight in rose oil, but they contribute decisively to its base note. Interesting is damascene s very low scent threshold of 0.009 ppb. Rose oxide and the rose ketones have subsequently been discovered in a whole range of aromas, for example in the bouquet of several wine varieties. 

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