Totaianes, a new type of triterpenes (Comments on the article Antiproliferative activity and energy calculations of a new triterpene isolated from the palm tree Acrocomia totai)

The new compound totaiol (isolated from Acrocomia totai) was misnamed as a hopane-type triterpene. Considering its biosynthesis, it could be considered as an intermediate of other triterpenes isolated from the same source (following a sterol folding of 2,3-squalene oxide). In contrast, hopane-type triterpenes follow a different biosynthetic route (non-sterol folding of 2,3-squalene oxide). The stereochemical and substitutional array trans, syn, trans, anti, trans, anti, trans for the A-E rings of the triterpene totaiol (1) is not known, and therefore, its biosynthetic significance as an important intermediate should be emphasized. This new group of triterpenic skeletons could be named totaianes. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The newly discovered compound totaiol could be an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of other triterpenes. Further research is needed to determine the stereochemical and substitutional array of its unique ring structure.