Abstract
The free radical addition of α,ω-dithiols to a range of gibberellins is described. The resulting 17-mercaptoalkylthiogibberellins were easily coupled, via reaction with maleic anhydride, to protein carriers for use of as antigens in the preparation of anti-gibberellin antibodies. These derivatives were also allowed to react with a number of electrophilic reagents to prepare fluorescent, biotinylated and photoreactive gibberellin probes, as well as immobilised gibberellins.