10.1021/jo00280a022
The study details the synthesis methods of ovothiols A, B, and C, including their optically active and racemic forms. The purpose of the research was to resolve structural issues that arose during the assignment of structures to ovothiols and to produce sufficient quantities for evaluating their antioxidant activities, which was not easily achievable with the original synthesis methods. Consequently, the authors developed a synthesis method for racemic ovothiols applicable to all family members and suitable for gram-scale preparation. During the synthesis process, various approaches to introduce the mercaptan function were attempted but faced difficulties. Success was ultimately achieved by synthesizing the imidazole ring with the mercaptan already in place.