Studies in alkaloid biosynthesis

• Main Author: Taylor, John Bodenham
• Published: Imperial College London 1962
• Subjects: 547
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.602130

The biosynthesis of alkaloids derived from tyrosine is reviewed, on the basis of recent tracer studies in the field. Evidence for the most widely accepted concept for the biosynthesis of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids has been accumulated by a series of tracer experiments. Hypothetical phenolic precursors were synthesised containing a labelled carbon atom, and their incorporation into alkaloids of the family investigated. Various degradations to establish the labelling pattern have been carried out, and in the light of available evidence a plausible biosynthetic route to two of the alkaloids has been proposed. Unambiguous proof is presented for the derivation of the methylenedioxy group of haemanthamine from the methoxyl group of one of the precursors synthesized. A series of experiments to establish the obligatory nature of various precursors has been carried out, in particular, one phenolic precursor has been shown to be a necessary intermediate in alkaloid biosynthesis.