Synthesis of all possible regioisomers of myo-inositol tetrakisphosphates

Abstract

Synthesis of all possible nine regioisomers of IP₄, some of which are implicated as second messengers in the cellular signalling, was accomplished from myo-inositol via its dibenzoate derivatives (IBz₂) as the key intermediates; base-catalysed isomerization of readily available I(1,4) Bz₂ and its derivatives, followed by suitable separation procedures efficiently provided all nine regioisomers of IBz₂.