Issue 6, 2019

Stereoselective semi-synthesis of the neuroprotective natural product, serofendic acid

Abstract

We have recently demonstrated a synthetic biology-enabled semi-synthesis of the potent neuroprotective compound, serofendic acid. An engineered bacterium produces ent-atis-16-en-19-oic acid, which has six of eight chiral carbons configured with the appropriate stereochemistry. Setting the configuration of the C15 hydroxyl group and C16 methylene is a critical step that occurs late in each published total or formal synthesis. Here we explore the use of alternative reducing reagents, stereochemical directing agents, reaction order, and product recycling to improve the diastereoselectivity of this step. We find that installing and oxidizing the C17 methylsulfide prior to reducing the C15 ketone provides the greatest yield of the desired C15,C16 diastereomer. This represents an improved total synthesis of serofendic acid.

Graphical abstract: Stereoselective semi-synthesis of the neuroprotective natural product, serofendic acid

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Research Article
Submitted
08 mar 2019
Accepted
19 apr 2019
First published
23 apr 2019

Med. Chem. Commun., 2019,10, 951-960

Author version available

Stereoselective semi-synthesis of the neuroprotective natural product, serofendic acid

D. Perusse and M. J. Smanski, Med. Chem. Commun., 2019, 10, 951 DOI: 10.1039/C9MD00145J

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