Two efficient methods of the conversion of camptothecin to mappicine ketone, an antiviral lead compound

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)10539-1

Two simple and efficient methods for the conversion of the naturally occurring alkaloid, camptothecin to mappicine ketone, an antiviral lead compound, have been described. The first method involved the treatment of camptothecin with borontrifluoride etherate and the second method utilised the microwave irradiation of the alkaloid.