α-Ocimene and the two β-ocimenes differ in the position of the isolated double bond: it is terminal in the alpha isomer.

β-Ocimene exists in two stereoisomeric forms, cis and trans, with respect to the central double bond.

They are used in perfumery for their sweet herbal scent and are believed to act as plant defense and have anti-fungal properties.

[3] Like other terpenes, the ocimenes are nearly insoluble in water, but soluble in common organic solvents.

The name is derived from the plant genus name Ocimum[4] from the Ancient Greek word for basil, ὤκιμον (ṓkimon).