Synthesis 2013; 45(20): 2813-2823
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1339711
short review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Akuammiline Alkaloids; Origin and Synthesis

Ruben Eckermann
Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hannover, Schneiderberg 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany   Fax: +49(511)7623011   Email: tanja.gaich@oci.uni-hannover.de
,
Tanja Gaich*
Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hannover, Schneiderberg 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany   Fax: +49(511)7623011   Email: tanja.gaich@oci.uni-hannover.de
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 02 April 2013

Accepted after revision: 14 August 2013

Publication Date:
17 September 2013 (online)


Abstract

Due to their structural diversity, elegant polycyclic molecular architecture, and biological activity, the indole alkaloids have been investigated by organic chemists over the last century. The first akuammiline alkaloid, echitamine, was isolated in 1875 and first described in 1880. Owing to the exceptional structure of akuammiline alkaloids, it was not until 125 years later that the first successful total synthesis was accomplished. This review will give an overview of this class of alkaloids, pinpointing its structural characteristics and showcasing the completed total syntheses. Furthermore, an overview of the structural diversity is given.

1 Introduction

2 Structural Analysis

3 Biosynthesis

4 Completed Total Syntheses

4.1 (±)-Vincorine

4.2 (–)-Vincorine

4.3 (±)-Aspidophylline A

4.4 (+)-Scholarisine A

5 Conclusion