Tangutorine was isolated from the leaves of Nitraria tangutorum (Zygophylaceae/Nitrariaceae) collected in China. Since its discovery, the unusual structure stimulated synthetic work and speculation of biogenetic relationship. Relying on the similarity with yohimbane alkaloids, a possible biosynthetic origin was proposed. An alternative biosynthetic pathway according to Nitraria metabolism was also proposed. It is believed that tangutorine biogenetically come from lysine. A biomimetic synthesis was achieved in three steps from simple C(5) lysine-derived units. This paper reviews the progresses in the synthesis, biogenetic relationship and biomimetic synthesis of tangutorine.

Key words: tangutorine, synthesis, biogenetic relationship, biomimetic synthesis