New polyhydroxylated steroids from the marine pulmonate Trimusculus peruvianus

Abstract

Two new sterols, 1-2, unusually hydroxylated at C-21 have been isolated from the marine pulmonate Trimusculus peruvianus. Compound 2 possesses a Δ7-3α,5α,6β-triol nucleus unprecedented in marine organisms. The structure and stereochemistries were determined on the basis of spectral studies, particularly NMR and MS spectroscopic data. 1 and 2 are the entire sterol content of the mollusk and both exhibit moderate in vitro cytotoxic activity against human colon carcinoma cell lines.