α-Copaene stands as a naturally found sesquiterpene compound that possesses extensive biological and chemical capabilities. Many essential oils contain it as a fundamental component, including those obtained from plants like Copaifera langsdorffii, which is known as the copaiba tree. Researchers and industries have shown significant interest in this molecule because it serves multiple purposes in agriculture and pharmaceuticals while providing environmental benefits and demonstrating strong pharmacological potential.α-Copaene represents a tricyclic sesquiterpene structure characterized by complexity. The compound α-Copaene has a chemical formula of C15H24 and possesses a molecular weight of 204.35 grams per mole. The molecular structure of the compound features three fused rings and includes a chiral center that enables optical activity. The predominant α-Copaene enantiomer present in nature displays a negative optical rotation value near -6°, while the rarer (+)-α-Copaene enantiomer holds economic value because it attracts agricultural pests, including the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata).The biological functionality of α-Copaene depends crucially on its structural chirality. The three-ring molecular structure and specific functional groups within the molecule determine its interactions with biological systems and its functionality as an insect attractant.The resin of the Copaifera langsdorffii (copaiba tree) stands out as the principal source for α-Copaene extraction from plants that generate essential oils. Steam distillation is used during the extraction process to isolate volatile oils with α-Copaene from plant matter. Scientists have created chemical synthesis approaches to generate α-Copaene from basic precursors, but natural extraction continues to be the main production method.The formation of α-Copaene requires precursor molecules to react through multiple steps, which result in the creation of a tricyclic structure. The synthesis of α-Copaene demands careful manipulation of reaction conditions to achieve the desired configuration and stereochemistry in the final product because of its complexity.