| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a synthetic process for the formation of ecteinascidin compounds and related structures, such as the saframycins. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a synthetic route for the formation of ecteinascidin 743 (1), <IMAGE> an exceedingly potent and rare marine-derived antitumor agent which is slated for clinical trials. The process of this invention is enantio- and stereocontrolled, convergent and short. Also disclosed are novel process intermediates, useful not only in the total synthesis of ecteinascidin 743, but also other known ecteinascidin compounds, including derivatives and analogs thereof. |