Bisabolenes are a group of closely related natural chemical compounds which are classified as sesquiterpenes. Bisabolenes are produced from farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)[1] and are present in the essential oils of bisabol, and of a wide variety of other plants including cubeb, lemon, and oregano. Various derivates also function as pheromones in different insects, such as stink bugs[2] and fruit flies.[3] Bisabolenes are produced by several fungi, though their biological role in that group of organisms remains unclear.[4]
Three isomers are known, α-, β-, and γ-bisabolene,[5][6] which differ by the positions of the double bonds.
^Lu, F.; Teal, P.E. (2001). "Sex pheromone components in oral secretions and crop of male Caribbean fruit flies, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew)". Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 48 (3): 144–154. doi:10.1002/arch.1067. PMID11673844.