What is "farnesol"

n. (context organic compound English) A sesquiterpene alcohol that is present in many essential oils and is involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol

Farnesol is a natural 15-carbon organic compound which is an acyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. Under standard conditions, it is a colorless liquid. It is hydrophobic, and thus insoluble in water, but miscible with oils.

Farnesol is produced from 5-carbon isoprene compounds in both plants and animals. Phosphate activated derivatives of farnesol are the building blocks of most, and possibly all, acyclic sesquiterpenoids. These compounds are doubled to form 30-carbon squalene, which in turn is the precursors for steroids in plants, animals, and fungi. As such, farnesol and its derivatives are important starting compounds for both natural and artificial organic synthesis.