Novel neoclerodane diterpene derivatives from the smoke of salvinorin A.
Tetrahedron letters – September 29, 2010
Source: PubMed
Summary
Smoking Salvinorin A, known for its potent hallucinogenic effects, remarkably alters its chemical makeup. Scientists successfully identified eight *novel* neoclerodane diterpene derivatives directly from its smoke. Using spectroscopic methods, the research revealed these new compounds undergo significant structural changes, including epimerizations and rearrangements. This offers key insights into the unique chemical transformations that occur during combustion.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is a naturally-occurring potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, and smoking salvinorin A produces the most intense hallucinogenic effects in human. Eight neoclerodane diterpene derivatives were isolated from the smoke of salvinorin A, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. The major structural changes include epimerizations, eliminations, and rearrangements.