Synthesis of model compounds of some biogenetic precursors of aflatoxin B1

Abstract

The synthesis of analogues of various natural products occurring during the biosynthesis of the notorious hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B₁(1) is described. These natural products are versiconol (21), versiconol acetate (22), versicolorin C (23), versiconal acetate (4), and 4-[2,3-dihydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl]-3,8-dihydroxy-1-methoxyxanthone (24). The synthesis of an analogue of versiconal (5) is also described.