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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Facile synthesis of (+/-)-paeonilide
Yuguo Du1, Jun Liu, Robert J Linhardt
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China. duyuguo@rcees.ac.cn
Researchers developed a novel synthesis for (+/-)-Paeonilide, a compound from Paeonia delavayi roots with anti-platelet activity. This efficient five-step process simplifies the creation of this important natural product.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Paeonia delavayi roots contain novel monoterpenoid metabolites.
- Platelet activating factor (PAF) is implicated in inflammatory and allergic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a convergent synthesis for (+/-)-Paeonilide.
- To investigate the anti-platelet activating factor activity of (+/-)-Paeonilide.
Main Methods:
- Convergent synthesis in five steps.
- Utilized benzoyl peroxide-promoted radical addition of unsaturated ester to aldehyde.
- Employed a topologically favored cyclization step.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 59% overall yield for (+/-)-Paeonilide.
- Demonstrated simplified synthetic route.
- Confirmed anti-platelet activating factor activity.
Conclusions:
- The developed synthesis is efficient and simplifies the preparation of (+/-)-Paeonilide.
- (+/-)-Paeonilide is a promising compound for further investigation due to its PAF inhibitory properties.
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