Synthesis 2014; 46(05): 646-652
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1340556
paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Strategies for Large-Scale Synthesis of Coelenterazine for in Vivo Applications

Tej B. Shrestha*
a   Kansas State University, Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA   Fax: +1(785)5326666   Email: sbossman@ksu.edu
b   Kansas State University, Anatomy & Physiology, 130 Coles Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA   Email: tbs3@vet.k-state.edu
,
Deryl L. Troyer
b   Kansas State University, Anatomy & Physiology, 130 Coles Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA   Email: tbs3@vet.k-state.edu
,
Stefan H. Bossmann*
a   Kansas State University, Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA   Fax: +1(785)5326666   Email: sbossman@ksu.edu
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 25 November 2013

Accepted after revision: 10 December 2013

Publication Date:
09 January 2014 (online)


Abstract

A new application of two Negishi-type coupling reactions for the synthesis of coelenterazine is reported. The synthesis of coelenterazine in high purity on a gram scale will enable numerous approaches to bioluminescence imaging and possibly photodynamic therapy of deep-seated tumors. Coelenterazine is the substrate for several luciferases, among them Gaussia luciferase (gLuc). This synthesis starts with pyrazin-2-amine and uses inexpensive starting materials and catalysts.

Supporting Information