The first total synthesis of (-)-mitragynine, an analgesic indole alkaloid in Mitragyna speciosa

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02022-H

Starting from an optically pure alcohol, (R)-(3), which was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of the racemic acetate (2) or enantioselective reduction of the ketone derivative (4), the chiral total synthesis of mitragynine (1), a major corynanthe-type indole alkaloid having an analgesic effect in Mitragyna speciosa, was accomplished.