Trimeric natural products: structural diversity, biosynthesis, bioactivities and chemical synthesis

Covering: up to December 2024Trimers constitute a group of natural products with considerable structural variability, formed through homo- or hetero-trimeric coupling of three monomeric units. They usually have complex structures because they are made up of different monomeric natural products as structural units, and undergo trimerization. These secondary metabolites have captured the interest of synthetic chemists and biological scientists due to their rarity and significant biological activities. In this review, we highlight some interesting trimeric natural products, showcasing the diversity of their structures, biosynthesis, and biomimetic synthesis, as well as their biological functions. These pathways could inspire the discovery and synthesis of more trimer secondary metabolites and further biological investigations.