Biogenesis of the Acorane Skeleton

Let us now look at some of the biogenetic pathways discussed in Chapter 2. The same factors which control the chemistry of carbocations in the reaction flask also apply in natural systems. Of course, the natural systems are also guided by enzymes which hold the reacting species together and can dramatically affect the outcome of the reaction, by giving preference to what might otherwise be a less favourable alternative. However, for the present, we will consider those which illustrate simple carbocation chemistry in action. 

This is a common feature in carbocation chemistry. Various rearrangements will run, usually in equilibrium with each other, between structures of similar energy, until one structure is reached which represents a minimum in free energy. Eventually all of the material will fall into this 

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