Maturone (1) is a sequiterpenoid isolated from Cacalia decomposita, a Mexican plant, the root extracts of which have been used for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases',*. The initially assigned structure 2 was modified on biogenetic grounds by Thompson to 1, but an attempt to synthesize maturone failed, although maturinone(3) could be obtained via the classical peroxide alkylation of quinones3 or otherwise”. In connection with our program ...
