Synthesis and structure of preorganized, C(3)-symmetric trilactam scaffolds with convergently oriented (S)-acetylthiomethyl appendages.

[reaction: see text] Efficient modular synthesis of conformationally preorganized, C(3)-symmetric trilactams is reported. The allyl acetate cyclization substrate was synthesized in five steps from Garner's L-serine-derived aldehyde. After chiral ligand-mediated palladium cyclization, the resulting vinyl hydropyran was transformed into the orthogonally protected amino acids for iterative coupling. The final macrolactamization was accomplished using EDCI/HOBt or HATU/HOAt under high dilution conditions.

Synthesis and biological activity of prodrug inhibitors of the thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase system.

A series of palmarumycin prodrugs and water-soluble analogs has been synthesized and assayed for inhibition of the thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase system. Increased aqueous solubility led to an improved in vivo activity profile.