Molecular Basis of Elansolid Biosynthesis: Evidence for an Unprecedented Quinone Methide Initiated Intramolecular Diels–Alder Cycloaddition/Macrolactonization

Total control: The key steps in the biosynthesis of elansolide A1, a new and structurally unique polyketide metabolite from the gliding bacterium Chitinophaga sancti, have been elucidated from feeding experiments, by analysis of the biosynthetic gene cluster, and through the synthesis of model substrates. These steps include an unprecedented dehydration reaction, an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IMDA), and an unusual macrolactonization. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.