A new sesquiterpene, omphadiol (4), has been isolated from cultures of Omphalotus illudens. Several known compounds, including illudosin (1), were also obtained. Structures were determined using MS, NMR, and X-ray techniques.

A seven-step, stereoselective, total synthesis of the ladybug defensive substance myrrhine (5) from 2,4,6-collidine is presented. Successive alkylation and acylation of 2,4,6-collidine followed by ketalization provides 2-(3-[2-(1,3-dioxolanyl)]propyl)-6-(2-methyl-2-[1,3-dioxolanyl]methyl)-4-methylpyridine (14). Sodium–alcohol reduction gives the corresponding all-cis piperidine 17. Hydrolysis of 17 followed by acid-catalyzed cyclization provides ketone 26. Reduction of the carbonyl group in 26 gives myrrhine (5). Cyclization using pyrrolidine – acetic acid gives a mixture of ketones (26 and 31). Reduction of 31 gives (±)-hippodamine (4). Oxidation of (±)-hippodamine with peracid gives (±)-convergine (3).

Many analogues of the antitumor agent irofulven have been readily prepared by replacing the allylic hydroxyl with a variety of nucleophiles. Analogues of acylfulvene (the precursor to irofulven) were also prepared by Michael reaction with acrolein. The toxicity of the analogues was determined, as well as preclinical antitumor activity. Several analogues exhibited good activity in mouse xenografts. Structural requirements for activity are discussed.

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Carbon and proton assignments for muricin aglycone (5) and a number of related pregnenes, carried out with the aid of two-dimensional homo- and heteronuclear chemical shift correlation experiments, have resulted in previously reported carbon assignments for the aglycone being revised. An improved route to muricin aglycone is also reported.