Total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5 as a potent nematode complex II inhibitor

Abstract

It is clear that atpenins and their analogs are useful chemical tools for elucidation of complex II functionality and that they could act as lead compounds for the development of novel helminth complex II-specific inhibitors. Recently, we discovered 4-epi-atpenin A5 as a potent nematode complex II inhibitor during our SAR studies of atpenin A5. This result led us to embark on a concise total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5. In this study, we describe the total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5. Importantly, this was more concise and practical synthesis than our previous total synthesis of atpenin A5.