Application of ring-closing metathesis reactions in the synthesis of epothilones.

Abstract

There is wide interest in the epothilones, which like the taxoids initiate cytotoxicity through microtubule stabilization. Briefly described is an application of a ring-closing metathesis reaction toward the synthesis of epothilones as carried out in our laboratory. This has led to the discovery of the (E)-9,10-dehydroepothilones as second-generation anticancer drug candidates.