Synthesis and conformational analysis of (E)-9,10-dehydroepothilone B: a suggestive link between the chemistry and biology of epothilones.

Abstract

The most potent epothilone analogue reported to date was obtained by incorporation of an E double bond at C9C10 in the epothilone B series (see picture). Molecular modeling, NMR spectroscopic analysis, and chemical observations were used to rationalize the remarkable potency-enhancing effect of the double bond.