Chapter 3: The Functional Groups and Their Functions
tion and health.* Sesquiterpene ketones are generally not recom-
mended for internal use.
Oils high in monoterpene ketones: Spearmint, Dill, Peppermint,
Geranium, and Caraway
Oils high in sesquiterpene ketones: Spikenard, Frankincense
3.7 PHENOLS
Phenols are a special subtype of
alcohols. A phenol is an alcohol group (an
oxygen and a hydrogen) attached to a
benzene ring (see figures 3.9 and 3.10).
A benzene ring has six carbon atoms
arranged in a hexagon pattern and must
have exactly three double bonds inside
the ring. Because phenols are alcohols,
their names also end with the suffix
–ol. Thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol
are the most common
monoterpene
phenols.
Sesquiterpene phenols are
fairly uncommon.
Figure 3.9: An phenol group
Properties of Phenol
Containing Constituents
Aromatic: Invigorating
aroma
Topical: Powerful cleans-
Figure 3.10: An example of a phenol group in
the compound carvacrol, the primary
ing properties on skin and
constituent of Oregano oil
surfaces
Internal: Antioxidant proper-
ties, support the proper function of cardiovascular, circulatory, di-
gestive, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and respiratory systems*
 
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