

Episode 6 · Building the Cage - Total Synthesis Semi-Synthesis
AI
Ibogaine: The Molecule, The Plant, and The Promise by Jim Mitchell
S1 · E6
Sep 17, 2026
58:04
Episode notes
Episode 6 is a synthesis seminar: it explains the iboga skeleton as a classic synthetic challenge and surveys landmark and modern approaches. Buechis 1966 total synthesis is framed as the reference point, with modern asymmetric and step-economical routes explained at the level of strategy and key bond-forming ideas (e.g., Diels-Alder construction of the isoquinuclidine). The industrial semi-synthesis from voacangine is discussed strategically, as is its access to noribogaine. The hosts explain how synthetic strategy enabled next-generation analogs and address the realities of total versus semi-synthesis economics at scale. The episode concludes with a bridge: we can make it — now what does it do?