Fenchol

Fenchol is a monoterpenoid alcohol with the molecular formula C10H18O. Fenchyl alcohol and 2-fenchanol are other names used for it. Chemical references distinguish several stereoisomers, including endo- and exo-fenchol: forms that differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space.

Fenchol has been reported in sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, but its presence varies between cultivars. In a basil-breeding study, it was a minor constituent in ‘Cardinal’ and absent from ‘Perrie’. Basil cultivars therefore need not have the same fenchol content.

Fenchol and borneol have the same molecular formula, C10H18O, but different structures. They are distinct alcohols, not interchangeable names for the same compound.