Retrosynthesis and Synthesis Proposal of Uvarialeptones

Uvarialeptones A-C were isolated via phytochemical investigation into the Uvaria leptopoda. Uvarialeptones A & C specifically demonstrate SNU-1 human gastric cancer cells cytotoxicity comparable to cisplatin. Other potential biological activities of Uvaria leptopoda derivatives remain to be further investigated. Given the recorded medicinal uses of the Uvaria genus, such investigation may prove to be fruitful. Viable synthesis schemes for these compounds are crucial for further investigations. The following paper uses retrosynthetic analysis of both uvarialeptone A and C to propose a synthesis scheme. The paper provides a purely theoretical synthesis pathway of both uvarialeptone A and C, along with explanations. The paper also includes information regarding the synthesis of a similar compound, uvarialeptone B. Information regarding the reactions necessary to produce enantiopure samples of uvarialeptones is also included. This work could act as a foundation for developing an experimentally viable synthetic scheme for both uvarialeptone A and C. Further corrections and improvements may be added to this work to maximise the efficiency of synthesis.