Question

What product is formed by ring-closing metathesis of compound V, a key intermediate in the synthesis of ingenol, a natural product mentioned in the chapter opener?

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Ring-closing metathesis

Metathesis reactions, such as ring-closing metathesis reactions, occur in dilute solutions. Several natural products are produced with the help of metathesis reactions.

Ingenol

Ingenol is familiar with another name known as Picato. This substance occurs in the plant named Euphorbia peplus. It is known to cause skin cancer.

Product formed by the ring-closing metathesis of compound V

Alkene metathesis leads to the exchange of double bonds of carbon atoms. The product formed in the reaction consists of a ring structure comprising a double bond. The reaction of compound V with the Grubbs catalyst can be given as follows.

Ring-closing metathesis of compound V