Biological activities of retinoidal γ-hydroxybutenolides in cancer cell apoptosis and differentiation
Retinoidal γ-hydroxybutenolides 2a-d having various lengths of conjugated double bond were prepared in three steps from the corresponding aldehyde 4. Their biological activities were then measured. Of these compounds, only compound 2c possessing a structu
Synthesis of γ-hydroxybutenolides applying crossed aldol condensation in the presence of a bulky Lewis acid and their anti-tumor activity
An improved synthesis of γ-hydroxybutenolides 1a - d was achieved via crossed aldol condensation between aldehydes 2a - d and the protected γ-hydroxy-β-methylbutenolides 3 or 4 using the bulky Lewis acid, aluminum tris(2,6-diphenylphenoxide) (ATPH). Using this same methodology, the γ-hydroxybutenolides 17a - d having various heteroaromatic rings were synthesized and their anti-tumor activities were evaluated.