Picrocrocin

Chembox new
Name = Picrocrocin
ImageFile = Picrocrocin.png ImageName = Picrocrocin
IUPACName = 4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-
2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-
1-carboxaldehyde
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 138-55-6
SMILES =
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = C₁₆H₂₆O₇
MolarMass = 330.37 g/mol
Density = ? g/cm³
MeltingPt = 154-156 °C
BoilingPt = °C

Picrocrocin is a monoterpene glycoside precursor of safranal.During the drying process picrocrocin liberates the aglycone (HTCC, C10H16O2;MW168)due to Glucosidase action which is then transformed to safranal by dehydration. It is found in the spice saffron, which comes from the crocus flower. Picrocrocin has a bitter taste and is the chemical most responsible for the taste of saffron.

It is believed that picrocrocin is a degradation product of the carotenoid zeaxanthinRef???.

References

Caballero-Ortega H, Pereda-Miranda R, Abdullaev FI 2007. HPLC quantification of major active components from 11 different saffron (Crocus sativus L.) sources. Food Chemistry, 100(3): 1126-1131.