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Radical Substitution: Allylic Bromination

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In organic synthesis, the formation of products can be altered by changing the reaction conditions. For example, a dibromo addition product is formed when propene is treated with bromine at room temperature. In contrast, propene undergoes allylic substitution in non-polar solvents at high temperatures to give 3-bromopropene. In order to avoid the addition reaction, the bromine concentration must be kept as low as possible throughout the reaction. This can be achieved using N-bromosuccinimide...

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products

Published on: October 4, 2019

Bioinspired terpene synthesis: a radical approach.

José Justicia¹, Luis Álvarez de Cienfuegos, Araceli G Campaña

¹Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain.

Chemical Society Reviews

|April 14, 2011

Summary

This review covers radical-based synthesis of terpenes, showcasing modern catalytic methods for creating natural products. These efficient radical approaches offer improvements over nature's own synthetic pathways.

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A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products

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Published on: October 4, 2019

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Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development

Published on: April 15, 2013

Area of Science:

Organic Chemistry
Synthetic Chemistry
Natural Product Synthesis

Background:

Terpenes are a diverse class of natural products with significant biological activity.
Traditional synthetic routes for terpenes can be lengthy and complex.
Bioinspired synthesis aims to mimic or improve upon nature's strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the evolution of radical-based bioinspired synthesis of terpenes.
To highlight modern catalytic methods for terpene synthesis.
To demonstrate the efficiency and advantages of radical approaches.

Main Methods:

Exploration of radical generation and cyclization strategies.
Application of catalytic methods for promoting radical reactions.
Synthesis of various natural products using radical pathways.

Main Results:

Demonstration of straightforward syntheses of numerous natural products.
Highlighting the efficiency of radical methods compared to traditional approaches.
Identification of readily available starting materials for terpene synthesis.

Conclusions:

Radical-based synthesis offers a powerful and efficient strategy for terpene production.
Modern catalytic methods have significantly advanced radical bioinspired synthesis.
These methods provide opportunities to enhance or surpass nature's synthetic capabilities.