Camptothecin Biosynthesis Research Articles

Biomimetic chemistry of camptothecin: involvement of isovincoside lactam (Strictosamide)

The indole αβ-bond of isovincoside lactam (strictosamide)(2a) is cleaved much more rapidly by either NaIO4 or oxygen–KBuOt than the corresponding bond of vincoside lactam (2b), which may be significant in the biosynthetic preference of (2a) over (2b) in the biosynthesis of camptothecin (1).