Total Synthesis of Quinocarcin

Abstract

Quinocarcin (1) isolated from Streptomyces melanovinaceus in 1983, has been the subject of recent synthetic endeavors due to its unique pentacyclic structure and potent antitumor activity against various types of mammalian cancers. In this article, synthetic studies on 1 and its related compounds including three independent total syntheses of 1 are reviewed with particular focus on their strategies. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships of 1 are summarized, disclosing their novel aspects which might be useful for both elucidating the mode of action and developing more effective anticancer agents. © 1994, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan. All rights reserved.