Efficient synthesis of the anticancer β-elemene and other bioactive elemanes from sustainable germacrone

Org Biomol Chem. 2011 Feb 21;9(4):1118-25. doi: 10.1039/c0ob00467g. Epub 2010 Dec 24.

Abstract

Highly efficient preparations of anticancer β-elemene and other bioactive elemanes were carried out using the natural product germacrone as a renewable starting material. The syntheses were achieved in only 3-5 steps with excellent overall yields (43-54%). An enantioselective approach to these molecules is also described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Structure
  • Palladium / chemistry
  • Sesquiterpenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane
  • beta-elemene
  • Palladium
  • germacrone