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Updated: May 28, 2026

Structural Studies of Macromolecules in Solution using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering
Published on: November 5, 2018
X-ray structure study of ranaconitine hydrobromide.
Jun-Hui Zhou1, Yang Li, Lei Zhang
1Xi'an Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China.
The absolute configuration of ranaconitine, a diterpenoid alkaloid from Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai, was determined. X-ray crystallography revealed its precise molecular structure and chirality.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Structural Biology
- Crystallography
Background:
- Ranaconitine is a significant diterpenoid alkaloid isolated from Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai.
- Understanding the stereochemistry of natural products is crucial for their biological activity and synthetic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the absolute configuration of natural ranaconitine.
- To elucidate the crystal structure of hydrated ranaconitine hydrobromide.
Main Methods:
- X-ray structure analysis of hydrated ranaconitine hydrobromide crystals.
- Determination of unit cell dimensions and space group.
Main Results:
- The crystal system was identified as monoclinic, space group P2(1), with specific unit cell dimensions.
- The absolute configuration of multiple chiral centers in ranaconitine was established (e.g., C10(S), C17(R)).
- A complex hydrogen bonding network was observed between adjacent molecules in the crystal lattice.
Conclusions:
- The absolute configuration of natural ranaconitine has been definitively determined.
- The crystal structure provides valuable insights into the molecular arrangement and intermolecular interactions of ranaconitine.
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