Total synthesis of the marine natural product (+)-discodermolide in multigram quantities*
Stuart J. Mickel
Novartis Pharma AG, CHAD, WKL-684.2.31 Klybeckstrasse, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Abstract: The novel polyketide (+)-discodermolide was isolated in very small quantities from sponge extracts. This compound is one of several microtubule stabilizers showing promise as novel chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. The clinical evaluation of this and similar compounds is hampered by lack of material, and at present, the only way to obtain the necessary quantities is total chemical synthesis.
Keywords: discodermolide; boron aldol reaction; isolation; side products; olefination.
*Pure Appl. Chem. 79, 467-823 (2007) pp. 467-823. An issue of reviews and research papers based on lectures presented at the 25th International Symposium on Chemistry of Natural Products (ISCNP-25) and 5th International Conference on Biodiversity (ICOB-5), held jointly in Kyoto, Japan, 23-28 July 2006, on the theme of natural products.