Asymmetric synthesis of batrachotoxin: Enantiomeric toxins show functional divergence against Na V

Pluses and minuses of BTX behavior Batrachotoxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the endangered Colombian poison dart frog and is an agonist of voltage-gated sodium ion channels (NaVs). Logan et al. developed a chemical synthesis of this molecule, denoted (−)-BTX, by taking advantage of a tin hydride–mediated radical cyclization to stitch together the polycyclic framework. Using an analogous route, they also prepared the non-natural mirror image, (+)-BTX. Conversely to the natural product, (+)-BTX antagonized NaVs. Science , this issue p. 865