Abstract
In an effort to determine the structural requirements for the significant antileukemic, cytotoxic, antitubulin, and antimitotic activity exhibited by the novel ansa macrolide, maytansine (1), four new C-3 ester and six new C-9 ether homologues were synthesized. The biological activities of these compounds were assayed and compared to the activities of previously reported, naturally occurring maytansinoids. From the data, it is apparent that presence of the C-3 ester is necessary for significant activity, and variations in the ester group are not accompanied by marked changes in activity. However, elimination of the ester group, as in maytansinol (7), maysine (8), normaysine (9), and maysenine (10), results in a significant decrease in biological activity. Blockage of the C-9 carbinolamide via etherification markedly reduces antileukemic and cytotoxic activity and slightly reduces antitubulin activity but has relatively little effect on antimitotic activity against sea urchin eggs. Thus, a free carbinolamide at C-9 is advantageous for optimal activity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
