Concise Total Synthesis of Nannocystin A

Abstract

Nannocystin A, a structurally unique 21-membered macrocyclic depsipeptide with low nanomolar inhibitory activity against elongation factor 1A, was synthesized according to a strategy involving the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, Sharpless epoxidation, olefin metathesis, the Mitsunobu reaction, and a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Suzuki coupling of a highly complex cyclization substrate. The overall synthesis is efficient and paves the way for preparation of analogues for drug development efforts.

Keywords: anticancer agents; cyclodepsipeptides; nannocystin A; natural products; total synthesis.