Critical Analysis of the Total Synthesis of Salvinorin A
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Key points | Argues that salvinorin A presents a unique avenue for psychopharmacological development, and that comparing two total syntheses of the trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid reveals their utility in synthesizing structural analogues for cognition and behavior research. |
Abstract
The past decade has been characterised by a resurgence in psychedelic research seeking to treat mental health issues, which claim over 700,000 lives each year. Salvinorin A, the main psychoactive substituent of Salvia divinorum, is a novel psychedelic distinct from those currently in clinical trials, presenting a unique avenue for further developments in psychopharmacology. In this essay, the biogenesis of salvinorin A will be discussed, followed by a critical comparison of two total syntheses of the trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid and their utility in synthesising structural analogues, affording useful tools in human cognition and behaviour research.