Biosynthesis of tetraponerine-6. Evidence that two different pathways are operating in the biosynthesis of the two tetraponerine skeletons

Abstract

Evidence is presented showing that tetraponerine-6 2a from Tetraponera sp. ants is biosynthesized from two molecules of putrescine and a seven-carbon moiety coming from an eight-carbon polyacetate chain through decarboxylation, in contrast with tetraponerine-8 1a, which derives from one putrescine unit and a twelve-carbon polyacetate precursor.