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ACD/Labs Blog

This month we re-visit the example of structure revision of Epohelmin A with structure revision utilizing ACD/Structure Elucidator Suite, which demonstrates how the software allows a researcher to avoid complex multi-stage synthesis to refute a wrong proposed structure and prove the revised one.

To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the genus-specificity of ascidians' sperm chemotaxis, Matsumori et al investigated the structure of a novel compound Ascidia-SAAF 2 (molecular formula C27H44O10S2Na2), which was isolated from the eggs of the ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis. Utilizing Structure Elucidator Suite allowed the correct structure of unknown, and its configuration upon a double bond to be determined.

Kim et al isolated and identified two unprecedented phosphorus-containing iodinated polyacetylenes, Phosphoiodyn A and B, from a Korean marine sponge Placospongia sp. Here we will describe the structural elucidation of Phosphoiodyn A (molecular formula C16H24O4PI).

Aquatolide is a humulane-derived sesquiterpenoid lactone isolated from Asteriscus aquaticus. The structure originally proposed on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR analysis contains an exceedingly rare ladderane substructure. As a result of the quantum-chemical (QM) calculations of the 13C and 1H chemical shifts and associated coupling constants for a series of possible structures, it was shown that the proposed structure was incorrect. We applied a well-established Computer Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) method to the problem, in order to compare results with the QM method.

Wang and co-workers isolated Jatrophalactam (molecular formula C20H29NO3), a novel diterpenoid lactam possessing an unprecedented skeleton from the roots of Jatropha curcas.

To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the genus-specificity of sperm chemotaxis of ascidians (a type of marine invertebrate filter feeders), Matsumori et al have investigated the structure of a novel compound Ascidia-SAAF 2 (molecular formula C27H44O10S2Na2) isolated from the eggs of the ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis.

Marine mollusks of the genus Siphonaria, commonly known as false limpets, are shelled, air-breathing herbivores that are believed to have a marine ancestry. When disturbed, siphonariid limpets secrete a sticky white mucus rich in polypropionate secondary metabolites. Specimens were steeped in acetone, and the acetone extract was subjected to extensive chromatography to afford three new polypropionate metabolites. Spectroscopic data of Polypropionate 1 (molecular formula C20H32O3) are used here to describe the structure elucidation of this compound using CASE techniques.

Le Goff et al reported the structural characterization of two novel alkylhydrazides produced by the bacterial strain Streptomyces sp. LMA-545. The structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. 1H–15N NMR experiments were required for full structural elucidation. Here we investigate the structure elucidation of Geralcin A ( molecular formula C15H24N2O5), one of the three isolated novel compounds.

Lee et al have investigated the chemical constituents of the extracts obtained from cultures of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SF-5044. This study led to the isolation of new natural products, particularly, an oxepin-containing diketopiperazine-type metabolite named Protuboxepins A (molecular formula C22H23N3O3).

Previously Wang et al reported three trace Lycopodium alkaloids, lycojaponicumins A and B with a 5/5/5/5/6 pentacyclic ring system and lycojaponicumin C with a 6/5/5/6 tetracyclic ring system. The same group later described the discovery of structurally unique alkaloid, Lycojaponicumin D (molecular formula was established to be C16H23NO3), with an unprecedented 5/7/6/6 tetracyclic skeleton formed by an unusual C3-C13 linkage.