Biosynthesis of chimonanthine from [2-3H]tryptophan and [2-3H]tryptamine
Abstract
Conversion of (±)-[β-14C, 2-3H]tryptophan and [β-14C, 2-3H]tryptamine into (–)-chimonanthine has been shown to occur in Chimonanthus fragrans(praecox) without loss of tritium. Degradation of the alkaloid has established the predicted labelling pattern. A synthesis of [2-3H]- and [2-3H]-indole from indoxyl is recorded and the structure of diacetoxymercuri-indole is revised.