Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Efficient Construction of Drug-like Bispirocyclic Scaffolds Via Organocatalytic Cycloadditions of α-Imino γ-Lactones and Alkylidene Pyrazolones
Published on: February 7, 2019
Natural macrocyclic molecules have a possible limited structural diversity
Aaron T Frank1, Nicola S Farina, Nahed Sawwan
1Departments of Chemistry, The Graduate Center and City University of New York, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA.
Abstract:
This paper examines ring size patterns of natural product macrocycles. Evidence is presented that natural macrocycles containing 14-, 16-, and 18-membered rings are of frequent occurrence based on a data mining study. The results raise a question about the limited diversity of macrocycle ring sizes and the nature of the constraints that may cause them. The data suggest that the preference bears no relationship to the odd-even frequency in natural fatty acids. The trends reported here, along with those reported previously (Wessjohann et al. (2005) Mol Divers 9:171), may be generalized to better understand the possible structure preferences of natural macrocycles.
Related Concept Videos
Stereoisomerism of Cyclic Compounds
Cycloalkanes
The IUPAC nomenclature of cycloalkanes follows similar rules that apply to...
Carbon Skeletons
Microbial Morphologies
Nomenclature of Alkynes
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview

![Solid-phase Synthesis of [4.4] Spirocyclic Oximes](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F58508.jpg&w=3840&q=50)