Synthesis of topostins B567 and D654 (WB-3559D, flavolipin), DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors of bacterial origin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(98)00984-3

Topostins B567 (2b) and D654 (3b) (WB-3559D, flavolipin) have been efficiently synthesized from 1,10-decanediol (5)in 11 and 13 steps, respectively, involving an asymmetric hydrogenation of the β-keto ester 14 using (R)-BINAp ruthenium bromide and a peptide coupling using diethyl phosphorocyanidate (DEPC, (EtO)₂P(O)CN) as key steps.