Several projects of current described below. Oxidative Transformations of Guaiol Oxidations of this readily available sesquiterpene alcohol are being reinvestigated with the aim of producing functionalities commonly found in more highly oxidized plant natural products. Present emphasis is on guaiol-derived hydroperoxides and on the study of their intramolecular reactions as methods for controlling the positions of oxidation. Wild Ginger is widely distributed in North America and has a long history of medicinal use. Previous work has characterized a sulfur-containing compound having antibiotic activity, however the identity of this material remains undefined.
Present work is aimed at isolating sufficient quantities for structure elucidation.
The unusual alkaloid taspine is a principal constituent of this preparation and has been shown to accelerate wound healing in controlled animal experiments. Current efforts are devoted to the synthesis of analogues by taking advantage of the biogenetic relationship with aporphine type alkaloids.