Strigol-type germination stimulants: the C-2 ' configuration problem

Germination of root parasites of the Scrophulariaceae and the Orobanchaceae is known to be induced by chemicals which are released from the roots of t heir host plants. An important class of germination stimulants are the stri golactones. Reviewed are (i) the connection of the configuration at C-2' of the strigolactones and their seed germination potencies, (ii) methods for configurational assignment at C-2', and (iii) stereocontrol at C-2' in the synthesis of strigolactones.