abstract |
The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing analogs and derivatives of naturally-occurring Flindersia alkaloids. Generally, the precursor borrerine is synthesized from tryptamine in the presence of an alkylating agent, an acylating agent and a reducing agent and dimerized in the presence of an acid, for example, tetrafluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid to yield the products. Analog and derivative compounds are produced by derivatizing one or more of the tryptamine, alkylating agent or acylating agent. Also provided are the synthetic alkaloids and derivatives and analogs thereof produced by the synthetic methods. |