Synthesis of brassinosteroids: Roles of synthetic organic chemistry in clarification of brassinolide biosynthesis and analysis of brassinosteroid mutants

Overview of the recent progress in the research of brassinosteroids, a new class of phytohormones, is described. This article covers 1) the chemical s ynthesis of natural C-28 brassinosteroids and their deuterio-labeled compou nds and precursor sterols, 2) related brassinosteroid analogs and their bio logical activity, 3) the role of synthetic organic chemistry in the clarifi cation of brassinolide biosynthesis, and 4) its role in the analysis of bra ssinosteroid dwarf mutants.