Abstract:
The diterpenoids are fairly widely distributed in
nature. The best known members are the resin acids obtained
from the non-volatile portion of many oleoresins, especially
those obtained fram conifers. Diteppenoid acids, alcohols,
lactones, phenols, and alkaloids have been obtained from a
variety of sources. The hydrocarbons are more restricted in
occurrence; all are found in New Zealand and all but two
(camphorene and cupressene) in endemic species. Their reported
occurrences are almost solely limited to countries bordering on
the Pacific.