A new synthetic route to the himachalene family
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Date
2024-07
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Himachalene sesquiterpenes are believed to play a significant role in the chemical signaling between Blueberry Flea beetles, a pest of interest in Atlantic Canada. Due to their role in blueberry crop loss, controlling the outbreak of this pest is of significant economic importance, especially in Atlantic Canada. Synthesis of himachalenes will allow for pheromone replication of the blueberry flea beetle for monitoring and trapping purposes. Attempts to synthesize the himachalenes using previously reported schemes in the literature have proved inconsistent. A new synthetic approach to the himachalene skeleton is investigated, building upon the work of Dr. Algamal and his attempts at reaching the himachalene skeleton. This new synthetic approach begins with cheap and readily available starting materials and aims to eliminate the common challenges associated with established syntheses. The 12-step synthesis developed in this thesis provides a more consistent route to the himachalenes of interest.