Synthesis of analogues of arachidonic acid as potential inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis

Abstract

A versatile route to 1,2-disubstituted aromatic analogues of arachidonic acid of formulae (5) and (6) has been established involving the stepwise cross-coupling of alkynes to 1,2-dibromobenzene. Subsequent reduction allows good control over the degree of unsaturation and the stereochemistry of the resulting alkenes. Some of these compounds have been shown to inhibit the biosynthesis of leukotrienes in vitro.