Biomimetic Synthesis of Fused Polycyclic Ethers

Emory University, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

The focus of this research is the mimicing of biological pathways to prepare a variety of polycyclic ether natural products. The project will develop methodology for the tandem endo-selective oxacyclizations of multiple cyclic sulfates; tandem endo-oxacyclizations of polyepoxides, including studies of substituent effects, electrophilic activating agents and other oxacyclic nucleophiles; and the biomimetic synthesis of hemibrevetoxin B from tandem oxidative cyclization of an acyclic prehemibevetoxin polyene precursor. With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Frank E. McDonald of the Department of Chemistry at Emory University. Professor McDonald will focus his work on developing novel strategies for the biomimetic synthesis of trans-syn-trans fused polycyclic ethers. This structural motif is found in many marine natural products that have important and interesting biological properties.