Chrysomelidial by chromyl chloride oxidation: A revised structure for gastrolactone

Defensive adaptations of eggs and adults ofGastrophysa cyanea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Egg clusters and adults ofGastrophysa cyanea are conspicuous and, like their larvae, are chemically protected. The eggs owe their bright yellow color primarily to β-carotene and, in addition, contain substantial quantities of oleic acid. At natural concentrations oleic acid effectively deters many species of ants from feeding. The use of fatty acids as deterrents against ants is discussed as a possible widespread phenomenon among insects. During defensive confrontations, adults ofG. cyanea exhibit avoidance behavior and may also feign death. In addition, the adults may autohemmorhage or secrete a fluid from elytral or pronotal pores in response to traumatic stimuli. The secretions are effective against ants and contain a mixture of hydrocarbons as well as terpenoid components. The pattern of ontogenetic modification in the defensive chemical repertoire ofG. cyanea is discussed.

A continuum of progress: applications of N-hetereocyclic carbene catalysis in total synthesis

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed transformations have emerged as powerful tactics for the construction of complex molecules. Since Stetter's report in 1975 of the total synthesis of cis-jasmon and dihydrojasmon by using carbene catalysis, the use of NHCs in total synthesis has grown rapidly, particularly over the last decade. This renaissance is undoubtedly due to the recent developments in NHC-catalyzed reactions, including new benzoin, Stetter, homoenolate, and aroylation processes. These transformations employ typical as well as Umpolung types of bond disconnections and have served as the key step in several new total syntheses. This Minireview highlights these reports and captures the excitement and emerging synthetic utility of carbene catalysis in total synthesis.