Alkaloid biosynthesis. Part XVII. The structure and chemistry of androcymbine
Abstract
The structure and absolute stereochemistry of androcymbine (3) are proved by spectroscopic study and by reductive cleavage of its O-methyl ether to a 1-phenethylisoquinoline, which is synthesised. Emphasis is given (a) to the importance of O-methylandrocymbine in relation to colchicine biosynthesis and (b) to the status of androcymbine as the forerunner of a new class of 1-phenethylisoquinoline alkaloids.