Sesquiterpenes and Diterpenes

Davis EM, Croteau R (2000) Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes and Diterpenes. 209 53-95 Davies JA, see Schwert DD (2002) 221 165-200... 

Davis EM, Croteau R, Leeper FJ, Vederas JC (2000) Cyclization enzymes in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. In Topics in current chemistry biosynthesis-aromatic polyketides, isoprenoids, alkaloids. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 53-95... 

The compounds geranyl diphosphate, farnesyl diphosphate, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate are biochemical precursors of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes respectively, and virtually all subsequent modifications of these precursors involve initial formation of an allylic cation through loss of diphosphate as the leaving group. 

Gershenzon, J. and Croteau, R. (1993). Terpenoid biosynthesis the basic pathway and formation of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. In Lipid Metabolism in Plants, ed. T. S. Moore Jr, pp. 339-388. Boca Raton, FL CRC Press. 

Locate the isoprene units in each of the monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes shown in Figure 26.6. (In some cases there are two equally correct arrangements.)... 

The marine isothiocyanates, with more than 80 compounds isolated so far, form the largest group of naturally occurring isothiocyanates. This well-established group of marine natural products is constituted mainly by terpene metabolites present as sesquiterpene and diterpene derivatives. The non-terpene isothiocyanate compounds include two cylindricine alkaloids and a series of long-chain aliphatic metabolites. Marine sponges constitute the main source of these compounds, although they are also found in nudibranches and tunicates. 

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