Synthesis of the Ginkgolides as Anti-Viral Agents

该研究项目涉及开发一种新的高效合成途径，以合成结构复杂的银杏内酯家族二萜天然产物，特别是银杏内酯A。银杏内酯A是一种生物活性和结构复杂的化合物，发现于银杏叶中。已知该化合物是血小板活化因子的拮抗剂，并已被鉴定为潜在的抗病毒剂。本论文将探索一种新的合成方法来高效合成银杏内酯A。该路线的关键步骤将涉及一种新型的金属介导的环化反应，其中同时产生几个环和立体中心。其他银杏内酯将从单一的后期中间体或通过直接选择性氧化银杏内酯A获得。

The research project concerns the development of a new and highly efficient synthetic route to structurally complex diterpene natural products of the ginkgolide family, and in particular ginkgolide A. Ginkgolide A is a bioactive and structurally complex compound found in the leaves of the tree Ginkgo biloba. The compound is known to be an antagonist of platelet-activating factor and has been identified as a potential anti-viral agent. A highly efficient synthesis of ginkgolide A by implementation of a novel synthetic strategy will be explored. The key step in the route will involve a novel metal-mediated cyclisation reaction in which several rings and stereocentres are created simultaneously. Other ginkgolides will be accessed from a single late-stage intermediate or by direct selective oxidation of ginkgolide A.