Beta-pinene, also known simply as pinene, is a naturally occurring terpene found in various plant species, including pine trees, rosemary, and basil. It is characterized by a bicyclic structure with two isoprene units (five carbon atoms each). Beta-pinene exists in two isomeric forms: the more common (−)-beta-pinene and the less common (+)-beta-pinene. It has a woody-green pine-like smell. This is one of the most abundant compounds released by forest trees.

Beta-pinene has been shown by researchers to be an effective anti-inflammatory compound, a bronchodilator, pain reliever, anxiety-reliever, and even a tool to battle short-term memory impairment. While not as common and abundant as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene features prominently in the cannabis plant, and is among the more important terpenes.

beta-Pinene