SPIROCARACOLITONES, CD-SPIRO TRITERPENOIDS FROM RUPTILIOCARPON CARACOLITO

Six CD-spiro-triterpenoids have been isolated and identified from the methylene chloride soluble extracts of the bark of Ruptiliocarpon cara colito. The structures of these compounds, named spirocaracolitones A- F, were determined by a combination of X-ray and high field NMR studie s. The spirocaracolitones represent the first examples of a class of t riterpenes which have a spiro system connecting rings C and D; they al so carry an unusual 12-alpha-methyl group. It is postulated that these compounds are derived biogenetically hom a friedelin derivative. Init ial biological screening revealed up to 80% decreases in the rate of g rowth of the larvae of the European corn borer when these compounds we re administered at the rate of 50 ppm in the diet.