Synthesis and biological activity of diastereoisomeric octahydro-1H-indole-5,6,7-triols, analogues of castanospermine

Abstract

A straightforward stereoselective route towards (3aR,5R,6S,7R,7aR)- and (3aR,5R,6S,7R,7aR)-octahydro-1H-indole-5,6,7-triol, analogues of castanospermine, starting from the corresponding shikimic acid derivatives is described. The key transformations of this approach are the Overman rearrangement and ring-closing metathesis to form the diastereoisomeric cis-fused (5R,6S,7R)-octahydro-1H-indole-5,6,7-triols in good overall yields. Evaluation for in vitro cytotoxicity revealed for some prepared compounds significant antiproliferative activity and weak glycosidase inhibition.