Abstract
The taxane family of compounds has proven to be synthetically challenging targets. Using a novel [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction, several substituted cyclooctatrienes were synthesized and tested for tubulin polymerization activity. Elaboration of this methodology could allow the synthesis of a modified taxoid scaffold thereby permitting the efficient synthesis of paclitaxel analogs.
Keywords: paclitaxel, baccatin, taxoid framework, photocycloaddition, cyclooctatriene