Partial structures of maitotoxin, the most potent marine toxin from dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus

Spectroscopic measurements of the partial structure of maitotoxin (MTX) showed that 30 ether rings, 30 hydroxyls, 21 methyls and 2 sulfate esters comprise the polyether skeleton of the marine toxin. This structure was identified through extensive examination of the periodate degradation products of the extract from the dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscuc toxicus. Also, the examination reveals that the toxin molecule exhibits dual polarity due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of its segments.