Nemertelline Explained

Nemertelline is a neurotoxic tetra-pyridine compound originally found in the marine ribbon worm Amphiporus angulatus.^[1] These worms produce a variety of toxins which are used both in hunting their prey and in defending themselves from predators.^[2] Interest in potential application of this compound as an antifouling agent for boats and other marine installations has led to attempts to produce it synthetically by convenient routes.^[3] Its toxicity is similar to nicotine in crustaceans but has no mammalian toxicity. It is similar to nicotelline in structure.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Kem WR, Scott KN, Duncan JH . Hoplonemertine worms -- a new source of pyridine neurotoxins . Experientia . 32 . 6 . 684–6 . June 1976 . 181266 . 10.1007/BF01919831 .
2. Kem WR, Soti F, Rittschof D . Inhibition of barnacle larval settlement and crustacean toxicity of some hoplonemertine pyridyl alkaloids . Biomolecular Engineering . 20 . 4–6 . 355–61 . July 2003 . 12919820 . 10.1016/S1389-0344(03)00049-2 .
3. Bouillon A, Voisin AS, Robic A, Lancelot JC, Collot V, Rault S . An efficient two-step total synthesis of the quaterpyridine nemertelline . The Journal of Organic Chemistry . 68 . 26 . 10178–80 . December 2003 . 14682721 . 10.1021/jo034805b .
4. Kem WR, Scott KN, Duncan JH . Hoplonemertine worms -- a new source of pyridine neurotoxins . . 32 . 6 . 684–6 . June 1976 . 181266 . 10.1007/BF01919831 .