Synlett 2011(17): 2459-2481  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1260335
ACCOUNT
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Adventures in Total Synthesis: A Personal Account

David Yu-Kai Chen*
Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Gwanak-1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
Fax: +82(2)8891568; e-Mail: davidchen@snu.ac.kr;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 30 May 2011
Publication Date:
27 September 2011 (online)

Abstract

In this Account, recent advances in the total synthesis of complex molecular architectures originating from the author’s laboratory are highlighted and discussed. Through thoughtful planning, intelligence gathering, and often serendipitous discoveries, a diverse collection of natural products spanning several structural classes have been successfully synthesized. The valuable information garnered from these synthetic campaigns showcases the unparalleled and undisputed value of this historical discipline and its cemented role in advancing synthetic organic chemistry to new heights and horizons.

1 Introduction

2 Total Synthesis of the Thiopeptide Antibiotics

3 Total Synthesis of the Cytotoxic Marine Macrolide, Palmerolide A

4 Total Synthesis of the Fab-Inhibitory Antibiotics, Platensimycin and Platencin

5 Total Synthesis of the Antiangiogenic Agents, the Cortistatins

6 Total Synthesis of the Resveratrol-Derived Bioactive Polyphenols, Hopeanol and Hopeahainol A

7 Total Synthesis of the Dimeric Bis-indole Alkaloid, Haplophytine

8 Total Synthesis of the Novel Sesquiterpenoids, Echinopine A and B

9 Total Synthesis of the Selective Cytotoxic Agent towards Renal Cancer Cells, Englerin A

10 Formal Synthesis of the Furanobis-indole Alkaloid, Phalarine

11 Total Synthesis of the Neuroprotective Agent, Nanolobatolide

12 Conclusion