| abstract |
There is provided a novel and efficient stereoselective total synthesis of epipodophyllotoxin and related epipodophyllotoxin compounds of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy, or R1 and R2, taken together, is methylenedioxy; R4 and R6 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy; and R5 is hydrogen or a phenol-protecting group; or an acid addition salt thereof. The present invention also provides novel intermediates and processes for the preparation of said intermediates, which are then converted into known antineoplastic agents. |