This Handbook, pinpoints salient features of known information about Terpenoids in a readily accessible and readable format. Terpenoids have singularly enriched organic chemistry by its variety of structural types, by its wealth ofunexpected reactions, rearrangements and spectral features, and by offering exciting targets for synthesis. Much imaginative experimental work has been invested in exploring their natural pathways. Recent years have revealed an increasingly important biological and ecological role for several of its members.
A compilation of all the known information on terpenoids specifically triterpenoids, is presented in these volumes. The most important available information on a particular compound is discussed, such as its isolation/occurence, available spectral data, and leading references on structural determination. Additionally, triterpenoids synthesis, biosynthesis, proven pharmacological properties, and any known applications are explained. A comprehensive general introduction has been included which surveys the development of triterpenoid chemistry from the beginning to the present. Extremely helpful is the selected list of references to books and reviews dealing with various aspects of triterpenoid chemistry.
Handbook of Naturally Occurring Compounds, Volume II: Terpenes is a handbook of naturally occurring compounds to which structures have been assigned, with particular reference to terpenes. Each structure is stored in the handbook with its name, molecular formula, molecular weight, optical rotation, melting point, literature reference, and classification number. Comprised of 10 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of terpenes and their classification schemes, followed by terpenoid classes and their structural/biogenetic categories as well as skeletons: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, carotenoids, and polyprenoids. Miscellaneous compounds of terpenoid origin are also considered, including the ionones and fraxinellone. This final category for miscellaneous compounds of terpenoid origin arises through the somewhat frequent occurrence of oxidative degradation in terpenoid biosynthesis. In general these compounds have degraded structures such that there exists some ambiguity as to their precise biosynthetic precursors. Each individual compound possesses a compound sequence number which, in combination with the Classification Code Number, supplies a unique address for that compound. This book should be a valuable resource for chemists as well as students and researchers of chemistry.
