α-гумулен

CAS 6753-98-6. A monocyclic sesquiterpene (C₁₅H₂₄, MW 204.35) also known by the obsolete synonym alpha-caryophyllene. Named after Humulus lupulus (common hops), the plant from which it was first isolated. It is a constitutional isomer of beta-caryophyllene: same atoms, different ring geometry. Where beta-caryophyllene is bicyclic with a strained cyclobutane ring, alpha-humulene is an 11-membered macrocycle with three internal double bonds. This open-ring architecture gives it a flatter, less spicy character.

The odour is woody and earthy at first contact, then reveals an unusual watery-marine quality — one of very few naturally occurring terpenes that does this. A dry, bitter-herbal quality sits underneath, recalling sage leaf rubbed between fingers. It lacks the peppery bite of beta-caryophyllene. On blotter, it reads green-woody for the first hour, then settles into a quiet, almost mineral dryness.

Found abundantly in hops (up to 40% of total essential oil in noble varieties like Hallertau and Saaz), sage (Salvia officinalis), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Cannabis sativa. The molecule co-occurs with beta-caryophyllene in virtually all of these sources. In brewing, the humulene-to-caryophyllene ratio above 3:1 defines the aromatic profile of European noble hops.

In perfumery, alpha-humulene is rarely used as an isolate. It enters compositions through hop absolute, clary sage oil, or ginger CO2 extracts. Its value lies in its watery-woody bridging capacity — connecting aquatic accords to herbal-green structures without synthetic ozonic notes. Vapour pressure at 25°C is approximately 0.01 mmHg, confirming moderate tenacity consistent with a heart-to-base position.

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