Chapter 25, Problem 34DSP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of methylmalonates involved in the biosynthesis of $\text{6-deoxyerythronolide B}$ are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

In the structure of $\text{6-deoxyerythronolide B}$, methyl malonate is one of the sources of the methyl group.

This methyl group is attached to the alpha carbon atom of the carbonyl $\text{C=O}$ or the carbon atom bearing an oxygen functional group $\text{-C-O-}$ .

When methyl malonate is used in the biosynthesis of a compound, methyl malonates can be identified as fragments having the ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{-C-C-OH}$ connectivity.