Abstract
The isoprene-based natural products, also known historically as terpenes when isolated from plant sources, are built from the Δ2- and Δ3-isomers of isopentenyl-pyrophosphate and comprise the largest known natural small molecule class. Carbocation chemistry dominates both the chain elongation enzymology, with head-to-tail and head-to-head condensations, and facile rearrangement chemistry at the level of C10 to C30 frameworks. Among the most notable of more than 50 000 known metabolites are taxol, cholesterol, carotenoids, and vitamin A.
Publisher
The Royal Society of Chemistry