Total Synthesis of Waltherione A, a Quinolone Alkaloid Fused with Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

Org Lett. 2023 Jun 30;25(25):4755-4758. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01837. Epub 2023 Jun 22.

Abstract

Waltherione A (1), a unique quinolone alkaloid fused with oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, was isolated originally from Waltheria douradinha and recently by us from a methanol extract of Melochia umbellata along with the related 3,4-dimethoxyquinoline paliasanines A-E. Compound 1 showed selective cytotoxicity against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines. Its interesting structural and biological features prompted several attempts at total synthesis and clarification of the absolute configuration, although none were successful to date. Now, we have accomplished the first total synthesis of 1 starting from commercially available benzosuberone in 21 steps as well as elucidated its absolute configuration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / chemistry
  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents*
  • Malvaceae* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Octanes
  • Quinolones* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Quinolones
  • waltherione-A
  • octane
  • Octanes
  • Alkaloids
  • Antineoplastic Agents