Discussion of the Reissert synthesis in connection with isoquinoline and indole
alkaloid synthesis follows a suggestion that important methods in alkaloid chemistry
be reviewed. “Aristolochia Alkaloids” refers to a group of alkaloids casually
discussed under “Aporphine Alkaloids,” now taken out of this context and
presented here for the first time as an independent group of alkaloids. Also for
the first time ‘‘Chromone Alkaloids” and ‘ ‘Dibenzopyrrocoline Alkaloids” are
presented, many of them having interesting pharmacological properties, The
“Lupine Alkaloids” were discussed in Vols. 3, 7, and 9 of this treatise. This
classical group of alkaloids is updated here and presented by experts in the field.
“Alkaloids from Ants and Other Insects” presents compounds discussed earlier
under ‘ ‘Piperidine Alkaloids,’ ’ ‘‘Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ,” “Simple Indolizidine
and Quinolizidine Alkaloids, ’ ’ and “Pyrrolidine Alkaloids, ’ ’ now condensed
in one chapter summarizing these interesting natural products. “Pavine
and Isopavine Alkaloids, ” discussed under the heading ‘‘Isoquinoline Alkaloids”
in Vols. 12 and 17 of this treatise, now comprises more than two dozen
alkaloids, justifying their presentation as a separate group of isoquinoline alkaloids.
Occurrence, spectral properties, structures, and synthesis and biosynthesis
are professionally covered, and pharmacological properties included
whenever known.