In recent years the intense activities of enantioselective synthesis have been reflected in the burgeoning and ingenious applications of such natural substances as carbohydrates, -amino acids and terpenes. A comprehensive summary of terpene-based synthesis is offered, focusing on synthetic efforts using transformed chiral synthons. The author provides analysis of synthetic strategies and discusses the intricacies of reaction courses. Along with the number and variety of natural products derived from chiral terpenes, numerous flow-charts aid in clearly delineating synthetic pathways.

TSE-LOK HO is Professor of Organic Chemistry at National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. His research interests are in organic synthesis, including total synthesis of natural products and methodology. He has written 12 books, including, most recently, Stereoselectivity in Synthesis, available from Wiley. Dr. Ho holds degrees from National Taiwan University and the University of New Brunswick, Canada.