Provided is a geometrically selective method for producing ()-(E)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3,5-hexadienyl acetate, which is a sex pheromone of grape pineapple mealybug (GPMB). Specifically provided is a method for producing a an (E)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3,5-hexadienyl carboxylate compound (4), the method comprising the steps of: dehydrating a 3-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-4-hexenoate compound (1) to obtain an (E)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3,5-hexadienoate compound (2); reducing the alkoxycarbonyl group of the compound (2) to obtain (E)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3,5-hexadienol (3); and esterifying the compound (3) to obtain the compound (4). ##STR00001##

Disclosed is a method for production of oxygenated diterpenoid compounds, such as triptophenolide, triptonide and triptolide, by inserting genes encoding particular cytochrome P450 enzymes and expressing the genes in selected host cells for synthesis of the compounds. Further disclosed are particular cytochrome P450 enzymes suitable for this synthesis.

Disclosed is a method for production of oxygenated diterpenoid compounds, such as triptophenolide, triptonide and triptolide, by inserting genes encoding particular cytochrome P450 enzymes and expressing the genes in selected host cells for synthesis of the compounds. Further disclosed are particular cytochrome P450 enzymes suitable for this synthesis.