Polyene
Polyene refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of multiple conjugated double bonds. These compounds are often found in nature and can exhibit various colors due to their ability to absorb light at specific wavelengths. Polyenes play significant roles in biological systems, such as in the structure of carotenoids and chlorophyll.
One of the most well-known polyenes is lycopene, which is responsible for the red color in tomatoes and other fruits. Polyenes are also important in the field of medicine, as some, like amphotericin B, are used as antifungal agents. Their unique chemical properties make them valuable in both research and industrial applications.