BIOSYNTHESIS OF N-METHYLPELLETIERINE - VINDICATION OF A CLASSICAL BIOGENETIC CONCEPT

The 13C NMR spectrum of a sample of (V-methylpelletierine (2), generatedbiosynthetically from sodium [1,2,3,4-13C4]acetoacetate in Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, shows that the C3 side chain of the alkaloid is derived as an intact unit from the C4 precursor. The,3C NMR spectrum of a sample of the alkaloid, biosynthetically derived from sodium [1,2-13C4]acetate, shows that it is the-COCH3 unit and not the-CH2CO-unit of the side chain that is derived from an intact acetate precursor. These results constitute evidence in support of classical biogenetic concepts and disprove three other possible routes of biosynthesis. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.