Perseanol synthesised

(+)-Perseanol is an isoryanodane diterpene isolated from Persea indica. While somewhat similar to ryanodine, it's central ring system requires a different synthetic strategy. Here, Sarah Reisman and colleagues report the total synthesis of (+)-perseanol in 16 steps from commercially-available (R)-pulegone. The synthetic route involves an efficient annulation to form the tetracyclic core and which should be applicable to other similarly-structured diterpenes. Through synthesis of other isoryanodanes by this method the authors aim to investigate antifeedant and insecticidal properties and, importantly, selective activity in insects.