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Several lactam analogues of the epothilones were prepared using a concise semisynthetic approach starting with the unprotected natural products. Highlighted in this strategy is a novel regio-and stereoselective Pd(0)-catalyzed azidation reaction of a macrocyclic lactone. Subsequent reduction and macrolactamization of the resulting azide acid intermediates provided the desired macrolactams in satisfactory overall yields. The entire three-step sequence was streamlined into a "one-pot" process for the epothilone B-lactam, BMS-247550, which is currently undergoing phase I clinical trials. An initial total synthesis route to prepare the lactam analogue of epothilone C was completed and compared to the more direct semisynthesis approach. All of the lactam analogues were evaluated in vitro and the results are discussed.

[structure--see text] A semisynthetic route to epothilone cyclopropanes from epothilones A and B is described. Of significance, the deoxygenation of the 12, 13-epoxide to give the corresponding olefin was achieved with high efficiency. The title compounds (8, 9) were active in both tubulin polymerization and cytotoxicity assays, which is in direct contrast to a previously published report. These results provide further evidence that the role of the 12,13-epoxide of epothilones is largely conformational and argue against some of the current pharmacophore models.

The antitumor agent (-)-rhazinilam was synthesized in three major steps, namely the pyrrole synthesis, selective C[bond]H bond activation, and direct macrolactam formation. The key step involved asymmetric C[bond]H bond functionalization (dehydrogenation) of the diethyl group segment in intermediate 6. This was achieved by the attachment of chiral platinum complexes to the proximal nitrogen atom. A high degree of selectivity (60-75% ee) was achieved via the use of oxazolinyl ketone chiral auxiliaries.

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