文摘
Several lactam analogues of the epothilones were prepared using a concise semisynthetic approachstarting with the unprotected natural products. Highlighted in this strategy is a novel regio- and stereoselectivePd(0)-catalyzed azidation reaction of a macrocyclic lactone. Subsequent reduction and macrolactamization ofthe resulting azide acid intermediates provided the desired macrolactams in satisfactory overall yields. Theentire three-step sequence was streamlined into a "one-pot" process for the epothilone B-lactam, BMS-247550,which is currently undergoing phase I clinical trials. An initial total synthesis route to prepare the lactamanalogue of epothilone C was completed and compared to the more direct semisynthesis approach. All of thelactam analogues were evaluated in vitro and the results are discussed.