Synthesis of the epimer of pericosine B from (-)-quinic acid

Abstract

Synthesis of the epimer of pericosine B from (-)-quinic acid was achieved. This synthesis involves some regioselective and stereoselective processes. The desired product showed lower cytotoxic activity in comparison with natural pericosine B against the P388 leukemia cell line. The result implies that the stereocenter of C-6 in natural pericosine B plays an important role in this activity. © 2004 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.