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Scientists achieve the first total synthesis of a complex alkaloids isolated from plant

Researchers at Chiba University successfully synthesize bisleuconothine A and bousigonine B using a new organocatalytic reaction, unlocking the efficient production of these complex alkaloids with unique medical potential. The development paves the way for new therapeutics and accelerates research into complex indole alkaloids.

SourceChiba University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026

Synthesis of seven quebracho indole alkaloids using "antenna ligands" in 7-10 steps, including three first-ever asymmetric syntheses

Researchers have successfully developed an asymmetric synthesis method for quebracho indole alkaloids using a nickel-catalyzed [2+2] cyclobutanization reaction with flexible antenna ligands. The method achieved high yields and precise control in 7-10 steps, including the first-ever asymmetric syntheses of three naturally occurring comp...

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

Total synthesis of hemiketalTTX

A team from Peking University successfully synthesized hemiketalTTX in 23 steps with a total yield of 0.7%, addressing the scarcity of this natural toxin. The synthesis utilizes a unique Prins cyclization reaction to construct the [3.2.1] bridged ring skeleton.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

New frontiers in organic chemistry: Synthesis of a promising mushroom-derived compound

A Japanese research team has successfully synthesized inaoside A, an α-D-ribofuranoside-type compound isolated from the edible mushroom Laetiporus cremeiporus. This achievement paves the way for further investigation into its bioactivities and potential applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAsian Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Breaking open the AI black box, team finds key chemistry for solar energy and beyond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

From fungi to pharmaceuticals: a milestone for the production of eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an efficient method to synthesize eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C, two compounds with potential therapeutic properties. The new approach improves yields and simplifies synthesis steps, enabling further research into their pharmacological effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAsian Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Towards non-toxic antifouling agents: A novel method for total synthesis of scabrolide F

Researchers at Okayama University developed a novel method for the total synthesis of scabrolide F, a natural marine compound. The study revealed that synthetic scabrolide F and its related compounds exhibited strong antifouling activity without toxicity, making it a potential solution to prevent biofouling damage.

SourceOkayama University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

New approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances

Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2024

Total recall on HIV

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Different recipe, same sauce

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully synthesized shagene A, a tricyclic terpenoid effective against the parasitic disease leishmaniasis. The compound kills the parasite without causing detrimental side effects and has attracted attention for its potential in drug discovery.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Productive cascade

A German team led by Thorsten Bach successfully synthesized agarozizanol B, a complex sesquiterpene with potential pharmaceutical applications. The researchers developed a photochemical reaction cascade to form the molecule from an indanone derivative, achieving both enantiomers of the natural product.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Total synthesis of cotylenin A for a new anticancer drug without side effects

Researchers at Waseda University have successfully developed a method for the total synthesis of cotylenin A, a plant growth regulator with promising bioactivity as an anti-cancer agent. The new method allows for the production of a stable and effective anticancer drug without the side effects associated with traditional treatments.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 12, 2020

Making puffer fish toxin in a flask

Researchers have introduced a novel total synthesis method for tetrodotoxin, a strong nerve toxin with potential as a pain reliever for cancer treatment. The new route enables easy and reliable production of the compound.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2020

A new strategy for the synthesis of complex natural products

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new strategy for synthesizing complex natural products, including Epicoccin G and Rostratin A, using C-H bond activation. The approach results in high yields and reduces the number of steps compared to previous methods, opening up new avenues for medicinal applications.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2019

Total synthesis of flueggenine C via an accelerated intermolecular Rauhut-Currier reaction

Researchers at KAIST successfully synthesized the natural product (-)-flueggenine C via an accelerated intermolecular Rauhut-Currier reaction. The conventional RC reaction is non-selective and high-temperature, but the team modified it to use a base at ambient temperature.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 22, 2017

They were right after all

Researchers Aaron C. Smith and Robert M. Williams successfully reproduced the Rabe-Kindler protocol for synthesizing quinine, a key step in its 'formal' total synthesis. They found that using aluminum powder as a reducing agent was crucial to achieving high yields of quinine.

SourceWiley·DateJan 31, 2008

After hooking toxin behind seafood poisoning, Science researchers may tackle prevention

Researchers have developed a way to synthesize ciguatoxin, the toxin responsible for seafood poisoning, which will enable scientists to better understand its effects on humans and prepare toxin-fighting antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient methods for detecting infected fish before they reach the market.