Below are some examples of our research in methodology and natural product synthesis. NOTE: This content is intended for educational or entertainment purposes only. Many of the chemicals used are hazardous and should only be handled by those (adult) individuals who are properly trained in the art.
These pdfs illustrate some experiments carried out according to our first route to an intermediate used in a published total synthesis of Berberine (a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid natural product). An advantage of this route is the relatively low cost of the reagents. Disadvantages include the low yield following the first two steps and the necessity to use a large quantity of concentrated HCl (which is irritating & corrosive).
We found that by first converting Eugenol to its borate ester, it is activated as an electrophile to a variety of demethylating agents including alkali halide salts and sulfur-containing nucleophiles. Hydroxychavicol, a natural product found in betel leaves, is a unique aroma compound with a smoky odor.