10.1021/jo00070a014
The research investigates the presence and structure of toxic piperidine alkaloids in various species of pine and spruce trees. The study aims to identify new alkaloids, understand their biosynthetic pathways, and explore their potential toxicity, particularly in relation to the pine needle abortion phenomenon observed in pregnant cows. Key chemicals identified include cis- and trans-disubstituted piperidines, with specific compounds such as (-)-pinidinol, (+)-6-epidihydropinidine, (-)-pinidinone, and (+)-1,2-dehydropinidinol. (-)-pinidinol (3) is characterized by its presence in the nonvolatile fraction of the extracts and is notable for its significant concentration in species such as P. jeffreyi, even though it had not been previously reported in this conifer. The research employs techniques like GCMS analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography to characterize these compounds. The findings suggest a plausible biosynthetic scheme for these alkaloids, indicating that piperidine ring formation occurs before side-chain modifications. The study concludes that certain alkaloids, particularly from Ponderosa pine, exhibit high teratogenicity, potentially explaining the pine needle abortion issue. Future work may involve further exploration of the ecological roles of these alkaloids and their impact on herbivores.