13. statements are made regarding natural product, terpenes.
A. monoterpenes are five-carbon compounds.
B. The anti-malarlal         drug, artemisinin is a sesquiterpene.
C. Azadirachtin is a triterpene derivative from the seed oil of the Asian neem tree.
D. Taxol is a diterpene derivative used in cancer treatment.
Which of the following options represents the combination of all correct statements?
(1) A and B
(2) C and D only
(3) A, B and D
(4) B, C and D

Correct answer: (4) B, C and D

Explanation:

• (A) is false:

  • Monoterpenes are 10-carbon compounds made from two isoprene (C5) units, not five-carbon compounds.

• (B) is true:

  • Artemisinin, an anti-malarial drug, is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua.

• (C) is true:

  • Azadirachtin is a complex triterpene derivative from neem seed oil, known for its insecticidal properties.

• (D) is true:

  • Taxol (paclitaxel) is a diterpene derivative used as a chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

Option-wise:

• (1) A and B — A false.

• (2) C and D only — B true.

• (3) A, B and D — A false.

• (4) B, C and D — correct.

Natural terpenes play vital roles in medicine and agriculture: artemisinin is a sesquiterpene with anti-malarial activity, azadirachtin is a triterpene insecticide from neem, and taxol is a diterpene chemotherapy drug, although monoterpenes are 10-carbon compounds, not 5-carbon.