Question

Draw a stepwise mechanism for the conversion of neryl diphosphate to is a component of pine oil and rosemary oil.

Short answer

A stepwise mechanism for the conversion of neryl diphosphate tois:

Step-by-step solution

Biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids

A diphosphate is a leaving group in the biosynthesis of terpenes and terpenoids.There are two main steps: one is forming a new sigma bond between two carbon atoms, and the other is forming a new pi bond.

Stepwise mechanism for the conversion of neryl diphosphate to α-pinene

In the first step, diphosphate loss occurs, forming a resonance stabilized carbocation.

In the second step, a pi bond is formed by the proton loss (with a base B), forming a $\mathrm{\alpha }-\mathrm{pinene}$.

Stepwise mechanism