Utilization of New Zealand natural products

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the utilization of a number of diterpenoids which are readily available as New Zealand Natural Products, both for the synthesis of optically active relays and as unique substrates for exploration of the scope and mechanisms of chemical reactions. The use of these substrates initiated studies into the reaction of an alkene with a Tl(I) carboxylate and iodine to give the corresponding 1,2-iodocarboxylate in high yield. The reactions have been found to be regiospecific and offer an alternative to the Prévost reaction. Concepts of the mechanism of electrophilic addition of iodine and iodine pseudohalogens to alkenes are also discussed.