<p> The C-B-A ring formation sequence has been adopted towards a total synthesis of podocarpic acid starting from 2, 7-dihydroxynaphthalene. Experimental procedures which were developed by other workers have been modified to improve the yields and the purity of the products. </p> <p> Using naturally occurring podocarpic acid, a reliable procedure has been explored for the functionalization of C-6 and C-7 positions in order to construct the 19,6-lactone ring in synthetically satisfactory yields. Catalytic reduction of the aromatic ring C, after functionalization of ring B, has been investigated with the aim of developing a pathway towards the elaboration of the C, D ring system of the kaurane skeleton. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)