A type of hydrocarbon compound found in citrus fruits that belongs to the terpene family of organic molecules.
From Hesperides (Greek mythological nymphs of the golden apples) + -ene (chemistry suffix for unsaturated hydrocarbons). The term references compounds originally identified in oranges and other citrus fruits associated with the legendary gardens of the Hesperides.
Scientists named molecules after Greek mythology! Hesperidene is part of the limonene family, which is why fresh citrus peels smell so strongly—the very molecules that make that zesty scent share a name with ancient golden apples.
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