Total synthesis and structure revision of the (-)-maduropeptin chromophore.

The proposed structure of the maduropeptin chromophore, the biologically active component of the highly potent chromoprotein antitumor antibiotics, was stereoselectively synthesized but did not satisfy the spectra of the natural product. We demonstrated that the correct structure is diastereomeric, which possesses an antipodal sugar moiety.

Internal amide-triggered cycloaromatization of maduropeptin-like nine-membered enediyne.

In the Masamune-Bergman cyclization of a nine-membered non-conjugated enediyne with an internal, maduropeptin-like nucleophile, the exocyclic alkene migrated to form the nine-membered conjugated enediyne, triggered by the intramolecular addition of the amide group; final aromatized products showed up to 85% yield.