Chapter 11, Problem 11.48P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the biosynthesis of $\text{α-pinene}$ from geranyl pyrophosphate is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Many natural products like essential oils and steroids are terpenes or terpenoids. These contain a carbon backbone made up of isoprene units linked by the terminal carbons. An isoprene unit has the same carbon backbone as $\text{2-methylbutane}$. The synthesis of many termpenes starts with an isoprene unit attached to a pyrophosphate ion. Addition of another isoprene unit gives the ten carbon geranyl pyrophosphate. This can react in a number of ways to produce different termpenes.