Biosynthesis of Sulfur Compounds. Investigations of the Biosinthesis of Asparagusic Acid.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00294a051

Investigations of the biosynthesis of the naturally occuring 1,2-dithiolane asparagusic acid (1) in Asparagus officinalis have shovn that the substance is derived from inobutyric acid via the intermediacy of methacrylic acid, 2-methyl-3-mercaptopropionic acid, and S-(2-carboxy-n-propyl) cysteine.The conversion of isobutyric acid to methacrylic acid in Asparagus has also been shown to proceed by oxidation of the 2-pro-S methyl group of isobutyrate.Finally, the absolute configuration of naturally occuring S-(2-carboxy-n-propyl)cysteine has been determined.