Diterpenoids from Croton crassifolius include a novel skeleton possibly generated via an intramolecular [2+2]-photocycloaddition reaction

Abstract

Five previously undescribed terpenoids (cracrosons D-H), including three clerodane diterpenoids, together with 16 known diterpenoids were isolated from Croton crassifolius (Euphorbiaceae). Cracroson D features a previously undescribed carbon skeleton with an unprecedented cyclobutane ring. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated using spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses along with CD calculations. A plausible biogenetic pathway for cracroson D is also proposed, which was supported by the experimental results. Additionally, all of the compounds were evaluated in vitro for cytotoxicity against T24 and A549 cells using the CCK-8 method.

Keywords: Croton crassifolius (Euphorbiaceae); Cytotoxic activity; Diterpenoids; New skeleton; [2+2]-Photocycloaddition.