Rearranged spongian diterpenoids from the nudibranch Chromodoris cavae that may serve as a chemical defense

Nudibranchs of the genus Chromodoris are known to selectively sequester sponge metabolites which have novel structures and often serve as deterrents to predation. Spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies on a biologically active metabolite from Chromodoris cavae have led to the discovery of a diterpenoid, chromodorolide A (100), with a new carbon skeleton.[See Thesis for Diagram]Science, Faculty ofChemistry, Department ofGraduat