Tricyclic Sesquiterpenes from Marine Origin

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Marine carbotricyclic sesquiterpenes are a diverse class of natural products.
• These compounds exhibit varied biological activities, making them attractive for drug discovery.
• Their complex structures present significant challenges and opportunities for synthetic chemists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure elucidation, biosynthesis, and biological activity of marine carbotricyclic sesquiterpenes up to 2015.
• To summarize the total syntheses of these compounds, highlighting key achievements and challenges.
• To provide a classification of known tricyclic sesquiterpenes based on skeletal types.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pioneering studies and research up to the end of 2015.
• Classification of 284 tricyclic compounds into fused, bridged, and miscellaneous structures based on 54 skeletal types.
• Summary of total syntheses, including first syntheses, enantiomeric versions, and structure/stereochemistry revisions.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive overview of marine carbotricyclic sesquiterpenes, covering their chemistry and biology.
• Detailed summary of synthetic strategies employed for accessing these complex molecules.
• Classification of 284 compounds into 54 distinct skeletal types, revealing structural diversity.

Conclusions:

• Marine carbotricyclic sesquiterpenes are a significant group of natural products with potential in drug discovery.
• The structural complexity of these compounds continues to drive innovation in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action for their observed biological activities.