Synthesis of the Loline Alkaloids

Significance

Although the structure of loline has been known for over a century, there have only been two other total syntheses to date, of which one was racemic. The loline family of alkaloids are produced by endophytic fungi which seem to provide protection to their plant hosts. They were originally isolated from tall fescue grasses but were later found in other plant families. They have a wide range of biological roles, which are often poorly understood.