10.1021/jo00226a045
The research focuses on the synthesis of monocrotaline, a macrocyclic dilactone pyrrolizidine alkaloid, which is notable for its potent hepatotoxic and antitumor activity, as well as its role as a defensive agent and pheromone precursor in Danaid butterflies. The study addresses the challenges in synthesizing the 11-membered derivative monocrotaline, particularly its tendency for y-lactone formation, which complicates synthetic strategies. The researchers developed a sequence involving the coupling of compounds 10 and 6, followed by nucleophilic ring closure, which includes the displacement of mesylate by a carboxylate ion generated in situ through the desilylation of a β-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl ester 3. Key chemicals used in the process include retronecine derivatives, glutaric anhydride derivative 5, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethanol, and various reagents for cyclization and deprotection steps. The conclusions of the research confirm the generality of the nucleophilic cyclization method for the synthesis of retronecine-derived dilactones and provide a complete synthesis of monocrotaline, highlighting the effectiveness of the method in the case of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
10.1021/ol702370m
The research describes the synthesis of monofunctional curcumin derivatives, a "clicked" curcumin dimer, and a PAMAM dendrimer-curcumin conjugate for therapeutic applications. The purpose of this study was to overcome the poor water and plasma solubility of curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, which possesses antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer's disease properties. The researchers developed a synthetic methodology to produce curcumin conjugates with water-soluble polymers and targeting proteins, potentially enhancing curcumin's therapeutic efficacy. Key chemicals used in the process include curcumin, glutaric anhydride, amino-PEG azide, 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), propargyl bromide, K2CO3, and copper(II) sulfate with sodium ascorbate for the "click" reaction. The study concluded that the monofunctional curcumin derivatives retained biological activity, efficiently labeled and dissolved amyloid fibrils, and the curcumin dimer selectively destroyed human neurotumor cells, making it a promising drug candidate. The conjugates were also expected to exhibit the EPR effect, enhancing their potential therapeutic applications.
10.1248/cpb.31.4001
The research focuses on the development of immunoassays for tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (THS) and its glucuronides. Various haptenic derivatives, including the 3-hemisuccinate (15), 21-hemisuccinate (8), 3-hemiglutarate (16), 21-hemiglutarate (9), and glucuronides (19, 23, 25) of THS, were synthesized starting from 11-deoxycortisol 21-acetate (1). These derivatives were used to produce anti-THS 3-glucuronide antisera in rabbits and to prepare enzyme-labeled antigens for immunoassays. The antisera demonstrated binding affinities to the enzyme-labeled antigens, and the binding was inhibited by the glucuronide (19) in the enzyme immunoassay procedure. Key chemicals involved in the research include 11-deoxycortisol 21-acetate, succinic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride, and various reagents for the Koenigs-Knorr reaction, such as silver carbonate and methyl 1-bromo-1-deoxy-2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranuronate.