Chapter 29.7, Problem 14P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A stepwise mechanism for the conversion of geranyl diphosphate to $\text{α}$-terpinene is to be drawn.

Concept introduction: The biosynthesis of terpenoids and terpenes are tremendous example to know about the syntheses occur in nature with high yield. The starting materials for their biosynthesis are organic diphosphates; dimethylallyl diphosphate, and isopentenyl diphosphate. These diphosphates contain five carbon atoms with a good leaving group (diphosphate, ${\text{P}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_7{}^{4-}$, ${\text{PP}}_{\text{i}}$).