Alkaloids Reactivity: DFT Analysis of Selective Demethylation Reactions

J Org Chem. 2018 Dec 21;83(24):15101-15109. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b02364. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Abstract

All possible demethylation reactions of a diverse family of quaternary alkaloids by means of DFT calculations are here described. We aim to develop a rational model that allows the explanation of the high selectivity observed experimentally and predicts the occurrence of new alkaloid derivatives. To this end, we have performed a detailed analysis of the initial reagents and products. In addition, as a proof of concept, an experimentally unknown demethylation reaction of coralyne has been carried out, thus verifying the reliability of the theoretical model presented here.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't