Semisynthesis of Salvinicins A & B

Harding et al. synthesised Salvinicins A & B from Salvinorin in two steps. Although the total synthesis of Salvinorin is still not published this work is very interesting as Salvinorin is a kappa opioid receptor agonist while the authors found that another compound derived from salvinorin in few steps is a delta opioid receptor antagonist.

Original article:
J. Nat. Prod.; 2006; 69(1) pp 107 - 112
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/np050398i