Synthesis 2010(9): 1550-1556  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1218695
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

A Straightforward Diastereoselective Synthesis and Evaluation of Climacostol, A Natural Product with Anticancer Activities

Dennis Fiorinia, Sandra Giulia, Enrico Marcantoni*a, Luana Quassintib, Massimo Bramuccib, Consuelo Amantinic, Giorgio Santonic, Federico Buonannod, Claudio Ortenzi*d
a School of Sciences and Technologies, Section of Chemistry, University of Camerino, via S. Agostino 1, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
Fax: +39(0737)402297; e-Mail: enrico.marcantoni@unicam.it;
b School of Pharmacy, Physiology, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
c School of Pharmacy, Anatomy Unit, University of Camerino, via Scalzino 3, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
d Department of Educational Sciences and Training, University of Macerata, P. le Bertelli 1, 62100 Macerata, Italy
e-Mail: claudio.ortenzi@unimc.it;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 28 December 2009
Publication Date:
09 March 2010 (online)

Abstract

On the basis of continued interest in plant-derived natural products as anticancer agents, a shorter and more efficient synthesis of climacostol is reported. This compound showed an anticancer activity better than that of the natural product. The improved potency and selectivity can be due to the absence of traces of the undesired E-isomer present in the natural climacostol. Furthermore, the versatile strategy developed for this simple molecule such as climacostol could aid in the synthesis of other more complex natural products.