Phenol oxidation and biosynthesis. Part IX. The biosynthesis of norpluviine and galanthine

Abstract

Efficient conversion of an O-methylnorbelladine into norpluviine in “Texas” daffodils has been observed. Feeding experiments with the [¹⁴C,³H]-labelled precursor have thrown light on the mechanism of norpluviine biosynthesis. The origin of the extra oxygen function in the related alkaloid, galanthine, is discussed. An isomer of O-methylnorbelladine has been synthesised and shown not to be a precursor for the major alkaloids of the “King Alfred” daffodil.