Thebaine synthase

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Thebaine synthase (EC 4.2.99.24) is an enzyme isolated from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, that catalyzes the chemical reaction:[1][2][3]

This is the final step in the biosynthesis of thebaine, forming a 2,3-dihydrofuran ring with loss of a molecule of acetic acid from 7-O-acetylsalutaridinol.[4][5] The reaction occurs spontaneously in alkali but requires catalysis to occur rapidly under physiological conditions near pH 7.[1][6] Thebaine is an intermediate to many other alkaloids including codeine and morphine.[3][7]

The catalytic mechanism of the enzyme has been studied by crystallography. It is a type of SN2 reaction.[8]

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