A biomimetic route to the peptide alkaloid anachelin.

TLDR: Experiments with a model substrate indicate that it is likely that a catechol oxidase-type enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of the anachelin chromophore.

Abstract: A postulated biogenesis forms the basis for a synthetic route to the natural product anachelin H. Key steps include a tellurium-mediated, oxidative aza annulation and a Claisen condensation under mild conditions. Experiments with a model substrate indicate that it is likely that a catechol oxidase-type enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of the anachelin chromophore.