Total Synthesis of Calyciphylline A - A Potent Cytotoxic Alkaloid

Stanford University, Stanford CA

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Abstract

Amphidinolide N is one of 34 distinct macrolides isolated from the dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. from the Okinawan coral reefs and represents, by far, the most potent member of this large family of natural products. It possesses a level of anti cancer activity that rivals some of the most potent therapeutics agents that are currently available for the treatment of cancer. While considerable progress has been made in the synthesis and biological evaluation of several pharmaceutically relevant amphidinolides, a synthesis of amphidinolide N has not been approached successfully and the full structural elucidation of the molecule still remains unknown. Our approach to the total chemical synthesis of amphidinolide N is envisioned to feature a unique Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation to construct a trans-tetrahydrofuran ring. Additionally, a key Ru-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling will join two large sub fragments of the target molecule together. This research program is designed to further stimulate the development of preexisting methods in both main group and transition metal catalysis. The convergent strategy, described above, emanated from the novel methodologies that are currently under development in our laboratory. They have provided a unique opportunity to further explore and exploit their potential use in complex molecular settings. Successful completion of the proposed project would achieve the following: 1) Complete the total chemical synthesis of amphidinolide N, 2) Establish the absolute and relative stereochemistry of the molecule, and 3) Provide material for further biological studies in order to investigate the molecule as a potential therapeutic agent.