University of Kansas

Emily Reiff

Gunda I Georg

Ashok Rao Tunoori

Sajiv K Nair

John T Henri

Commercially feasible methods for synthesizing various epothilones precursors needed for the preparation of final epothilones are provided, including techniques for the synthesis of epothilone segment A and C precursors. Segment C precursors are prepared using starting nitriles, which can alternately be oxidized to ketones and converted, or reacted to form the diol with subsequent conversion to the segment. Segment A precursors are prepared by reacting a starting enone with a chiral catalyst to give an intermediate alcohol in high enantomeric excess, followed by conversion of the alcohol to the desired Segment A precursor.

Synthesis of epothilones

Various epothilone precursors needed for the preparation of final epothilones are provided.

Commercially feasible methods for synthesizing various epothilones precursors needed for the preparation of final epothilones are provided, including techniques for the synthesis of epothilone segment C using a stereoselective Noyori-type reduction, and the coupling of epothilone segments B and C using an aldol condensation reaction. The synthesis methods may be used to prepare naturally occurring segments as well as a large number of related analogs and homologs thereof. Final epothilones in accordance with the invention may also be of the naturally occurring variety (16-membered macrolides), while the homologs and analogs thereof are preferably up to 20-membered macrolides.

Growing community of inventors

Lawrence, KS, United States of America

Emily Reiff