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A Total Synthesis of (+)-Mitragynine.
Dnyaneshwar A Gorve1, Gour H Mandal1, K P Chandra Shekar2
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States.
The Journal of Organic Chemistry
|April 19, 2026
Summary
Researchers synthesized (+)-mitragynine, a key analgesic component from the Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) plant. This seven-step synthesis is the most efficient route to (+)-mitragynine reported to date.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Natural Product Synthesis
Background:
- Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) contains potent analgesic compounds.
- Mitragynine is a primary alkaloid responsible for kratom's effects.
- Enantioselective synthesis of natural products is crucial for pharmacological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a concise and efficient total synthesis of (+)-mitragynine.
- To establish the shortest synthetic route to (+)-mitragynine reported.
- To explore novel synthetic methodologies for complex alkaloid preparation.
Main Methods:
- Linear synthesis strategy utilizing commercial starting materials.
- A key oxidative cyclization step to enhance convergency.
- Purification and characterization of the final product.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of (+)-mitragynine in seven linear steps.
- The developed synthesis is the shortest reported to date for (+)-mitragynine.
- Demonstrated convergency through an efficient oxidative cyclization.
Conclusions:
- A highly efficient and concise total synthesis of (+)-mitragynine has been achieved.
- This synthetic route provides a valuable tool for accessing (+)-mitragynine for further research.
- The methodology may be applicable to the synthesis of related indole alkaloids.
