The terpenoids are a large and diverse class of naturally occurring organic chemicals, derived from five-carbon isoprene units assembled and modified in thousands of ways. Most are multicyclic structures that differ from one another not only in functional groups but also in their basic carbon skeletons. They can be classified according to the number of isoprene units used: Hemiterpenoids, Monoterpenoids, Sesquiterpenoids, Diterpenoids, Sesterterpenoids, Triterpenoids, Tetraterpenoids. These lipids can be found in all classes of living things, and are the largest group of natural products. Plant terpenoids are used extensively for their aromatic qualities and play a role in traditional herbal remedies. Terpenoids contribute to the scent of eucalyptus, the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, the yellow color in sunflowers, and the red color in tomatoes.
