Biosynthesis of shihunine, an alkaloid of the orchid Dendrobium pierardii
Abstract
4-2′-Carboxyphenyl-4-oxobutanoic acid (1), the established precursor of several plant and becterial neapthoquinones, has been found to be also an excellent precursor (13·5% incorporation) of shihunine, a phathalidepyrrolidine alkaloid present in Dendrobium pirardii.