Two-Phase Terpene Total Synthesis: Historical Perspective and Application to the Taxol® Problem

This account presents our laboratory's latest endeavors in C-sp3-H activation in the context of total synthesis, as well as a historical perspective of the field of C-sp3-H activation. Our viewpoints in using a two-phase terpene synthesis strategy and how known oxidative transformations could benefit an eventual biomimetic synthesis of Taxol (R) are discussed. 1 Introduction 2 C-sp3-H Functionalization: A Historical Perspective 3 Two-Phase Terpene Synthesis: Proof of Principle 4 A Two-Phase Approach to Taxol (R): Planning Stage 5 Heuristic Value of the Oxidation Pyramid 6 Taxol (R): Precedent and First Ruminations 7 Conclusions and Outlook