Chapter 25, Problem 35DSP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of acetate and propanoate units are to be determined in the given structure of $\text{(+)-Discodermolide}$.

Concept Introduction:

An acetate unit contributes two carbon atoms in a synthesis while a propanoate unit contributes three carbon atoms.

In ${\text{(+)-Discodermolide (C}}_{\text{33}}{\text{H}}_{\text{55}}{\text{NO}}_{\text{8}}\text{)}$, there are in all $\text{33}$ carbon atoms out of which one is a part of the amide group and does not come from either acetate or propanoate.

The methyl carbon atom in propanoate is the beta carbon atom and remains unreacted in the synthesis.

The number of methyl groups indicate the number of propanoate units in the synthesis.