NZ521808A - Synthetic process for the manufacture of an ecteinaschidin compound - Google Patents

Abstract

A process step in the manufacture of an ecteinascidin compound comprising deprotecting a compound of formula (A) by removing both protecting groups in a single step to give an alpha aminolactone of formula (35), wherein ProtNH is an amino protecting group and ProtOH is a hydroxy protecting group. Further process steps include oxidizing the alpha aminolactone of formula (35) to a corresponding alpha ketolactone by transamination. Also disclosed are processes for forming the spirotetrahydroisoquinoline compounds Et770 and Et743

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number 521 808 wo 01/87895 pct/gb01/02120 521808 SYNTHETIC PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF AN ECTEINASCHIDIN COMPOUND The present invention relates to synthetic processes, and in particular it relates to synthetic processes for producing ecteinascidin compounds.

Background of the Invention European Patent 309,477 relates to ecteinascidins 729, 743, 745, ,759A, 759B and 770. The ecteinascidin compounds are disclosed to have antibacterial and other useful properties. Ecteinascidin 743 is now undergoing clinical trials as an antitumour agent.

Ecteinascidin 743 has a complex tris(tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol) structure of the following formula (I): It is currently prepared by isolation from extracts of the marine tunicate Ecteinascidin turbinata. The yield is low, and alternative preparative processes have been sought. och3 ch3 PCT/GBO1/02120 2 A synthetic" process for producing ecteinascidin compounds is described in US Patent 5,721,362, see also WO 9812198 which is incorporated herein by reference in full. The claimed method is long and complicated, there being 38 Examples each describing one or more steps in the synthetic sequence to arrive at ecteinascidin 743.

In the known synthetic process, a 1,4 bridge is formed using a 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound. As shown in Example 33, a compound (13) is converted to compound (14): OMe 13 According to the known synthetic process, a spiroquinoline is then formed in the 1,4 bridge by the steps of Examples 34 to 36, and the 18-MOM protecting group is removed to give ecteinascidin 770 which can then be converted to ecteinascidin 743.

Claim 25 of US 5,721,362 is directed at an intermediate phenol compound of a given formula (11), which we refer to also as Intermediate 11 or Int-11. It has the following bis(tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol) structure (II): wo 01/87895 pct/gbo1/02120 3 och3 ch- otbdps where MOM is a methoxymethyl substituent and TBDPS is a tert-butyldiphenylsilyl substituent.

From Intermediate 11 it is possible to synthesise another interesting antitumour agent, phthaiascidin, see Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96, 3496-3501, 1999. Phthaiascidin is a bis(tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol) derivative of formula (III): In ecteinascidins 743 and 770, the 1,4 bridge has the structure of formula (IV): och3 ch3 ch3.

PCT/GBO1/02120 4 Other known ecteinascidins include compounds with a different bridged cyclic ring system, such as occurs in ecteinascidin 722 and 736, where the bridge has the structure of formula (V): ecteinascidins 583 and 597, where the bridge has the structure of formula (VI): and ecteinascidin 594 and 596, where the bridge has the structure of formula (VII): The complete structure for these and related compounds is given in J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1996) 118, 9017-9023. This article is incorporated by reference.

Other literature on the ecteinasdin compounds includes: Corey, E.J., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1996, 118 pp. 9202-9203; Rinehart, et al., Journal of Natural Products, 1990, "Bioactive Compounds from Aquatic PCT/GBO1/02120 and Terrestrial Sources", vol. 53, pp. 771-792; Rinehart et al., Pure and Appl. Chem., 1990, "Biologically active natural products", vol 62, pp. 1277-1280; Rinehart, et al., J. Org. Chem., 1990, "Ecteinascidins 729, 743, 745, 759A, 759B, and 770: potent Antitumour Agents from the Caribbean Tunicate Ecteinascidia tuminatcf, vol. 55, pp. 4512-4515; Wright et al., J. Org. Chem., 1990, "Antitumour Tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids from the Colonial ascidian Ecteinascidia turbinatef, vol. 55, pp. 4508-4512; Sakai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1992, "Additional anitumor ecteinascidins from a Caribbean tunicate: Crystal structures and activities in vivo", vol. 89, 11456-11460; Science 1994, "Chemical Prospectors Scour the Seas for Promising Drugs", vol. 266, pp.1324; Koenig, K.E., "Asymmetric Synthesis", ed. Morrison, Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, FL, vol. 5, 1985, p. 71; Barton, et al., J. Chem Soc. Perkin Trans., 1, 1982, "Synthesis and Properties of a Series of Sterically Hindered Guanidine bases", pp. 2085; Fukuyama et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1982, "Stereocontrolled Total Synthesis of (+)-Saframycin B", vol. 104, pp. 4957; Fukuyama et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1990, "Total Synthesis of (+) - Saframycin A", vol. 112, p. 3712; Saito, et al., J. Org. Chem., 1989, "Synthesis of Saframycins. Preparation of a Key tricyclic Lactam Intermediate to Saframycin A", vol. 54, 5391; Still, et al., J Org. Chem., 1978, "Rapid Chromatographic Technique for Preparative Separations with Moderate Resolution", vol. 43, p. 2923; Kofron, W.G.; Baclawski, L.M., J. Org. Chem., 1976, vol. 41, 1879; Guan et al., J. Biomolec. Struc. & Dynam., vol. 10, pp. 793-817 (1993); Shamma et al., "Carbon-13 NMR Shift Assignments of Amines and Alkaloids", p. 206 (1979); Lown et al., Biochemistry, 21, 419-428 (1982); Zmijewski et al., Chem. Biol. Interactions, 52, 361-375 (1985); Ito, CRC Crit. Rev. Anal. Chem., 17, 65-143 (1986); Rinehart et al., "Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences 1989", pp. 613-626, D. D. Breimer, D. J. A. Cromwelin, K. K. Midha, Eds., Amsterdam Medical Press B. V., Noordwijk, The Netherlands (1989); Rinehart et al., "Biological Mass Spectrometry", 233-258 eds. Burlingame et al., Elsevier Amsterdam (1990); Guan et al., PCT/GBO1/02120 6 Jour. Biomolec. Struct. & Dynam., vol. 10 pp. 793-817 (1993); Nakagawa et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Ill: 2721-2722 (1989);; Lichter et al., "Food and Drugs from the Sea Proceedings" (1972), Marine Technology Society, Washington, D.C. 1973, 117-127; Sakai et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1996, 118, 9017; Garcia-Rocha et al., Brit. J. Cancer, 1996, 73: 875-883; and Pommier et al., Biochemistry, 1996, 35: 13303-13309.

Further compounds are known which lack a bridged cyclic ring system. They include the bis(tetrahydroisoquinolinequinone) antitumor-antimicrobial antibiotics safracins and saframycins, and the marine natural products renieramicins and xestomycin isolated from cultured microbes or sponges. They all have a common dimeric tetrahydroisoquinoline carbon framework. These compounds can be classified into four types, types I to IV, with respect to the oxidation pattern of the aromatic rings.

Type I, dimeric isoquinolinequinones, is a system of formula (VIII) most commonly occurring in this class of compounds, see the following table I.

Table I Structure of Type I Saframycin Antibiotics. ocha H3 hn' Substituents PCT/GBO1/02120 7 Compound R14a R14b R21 R25a R25b R25c saframycin A h h CN o o ch3 saframycin B h h h o 0 ch3 saframycin C h ochs h o 0 ch3 saframycin G h oh CN 0 0 chs saframycin h h h CN oh ch2coch ch3 saframycin S h h oh o 3 0 ch3 saframycin Y3 h h CN nh2 h ch3 saframycin Ydi h h CN nh2 h c2h5 saframycin Adi h h CN 0 o c2h5 saframycin Yd2 h h CN nh2 h h saframycin Y2b h Qb CN nh2 h ch3 saframycin Y2b-d h Qb CN nh2 h c2h5 saframycin ah2 H H CN Ha OHQ CH3 saframycin AH2AC H H CN H OAc ch3 saframycin AHi H H CN OH° Ha ch3 saframycin AHiAc h H CN OAc H ch3 saframycin ar3 H H H H OH ch3 a assignments are interchangeable. b where the group Q is of formula (IX): T^pe I aromatic rings are seen in saframycins A, B and C; G and H; and S isolated from Streptomyces lavendulae as minor components. 8 A cyano derivative of saframycin A, called cyanoquinonamine, is known from Japanese Kokai JP-A2 59/225189 and 60/084288. Saframycins y3, Ydi, Adi, and Yd2 were produced by S. lavendulae by directed biosynthesis, with appropriate supplementation of the culture medium. Saframycins Y2b and Y2b-d dimers formed by linking the nitrogen on the C-25 of one unit to the C-14 of the other, have also been produced in supplemented culture media of S. lavendulae. Saframycins ARi (=AH2,), a microbial reduction product of saframycin A at C-25 produced by Rhodococcus amidophilus, is also prepared by nonstereoselective chemical reduction of saframycin A by sodium borohydride as a 1:1 mixture of epimers followed by chromatographic separation [the other isomer AHi is less polar]. The further reduction product saframycin ar3, 21-decyano-25-dihydro-saframycin A, (= 25-dihydrosaframycin B) was produced by the same microbial conversion. Another type of microbial conversion of saframycin A using a Nocardia species produced saframycin B and further reduction by a Mycobacterium species produced saframycin AH1 Ac. The 25-O-acetates of saframycin ah2 and AH 1 have also been prepared chemically for biological studies.

Type I compounds of formula (X) have also been isolated from marines sponges, see Table II.

Table II Structures of Type I Compounds from Marine Sponges. och3 O 9 Substituents R14a r14b R21 r renieramycin a oh h h -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 renieramycin B oc2h5 h h -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 renieramycin c oh o 0 -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 renieramycin d oc2h5 o o -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 renieramycin e h h oh -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 renieramycin f och3 h oh -c(ch3)=ch-ch3 xestomycin och3 h h -ch3 Renieramycins A-D were isolated from the antimicrobial extract of a sponge, a Reniera species collected in Mexico, along with the biogenetically related monomeric isoquinolines renierone and related compounds. The structure of renieramycin A was initially assigned with inverted stereochemistry at C-3, C-l 1, and C-13. However, careful examination of the JH NMR data for new, related compounds renieramycins E and F, isolated from the same sponge collected in Palau, revealed that the ring junction of renieramycins was identical to that of saframycins. This result led to the conclusion that the formerly assigned stereochemistry of renieramycins A to D must be the same as that of saframycins.

Xestomycin was found in a sponge, a Xestospongia species collected from Sri Lancan waters.

Type II compounds of formula (XI) with a reduced hydroquinone ring include saframycins D and F, isolated from S. lavendulae, and saframycins Mx-1 and Mx-2, isolated from Myxococcus xanthus. See table III.

Table III Type II Compounds PCT/GBO1/02120 Substituents Compound R14a R14b R21 R25a R25b R25c saframycin D 0 o h 0 o ch3 saframycin F o o CN o o ch3 saframycin Mx-1 h och3 oh h ch3 nh2 saframycin Mx-2 h ochs h h ch3 nh2 The type III skeleton is found in the antibiotics safracins A and B, isolated from cultured Pseudomonas fluorescens. These antibiotics of formula (XII) consist of a tetrahydroisoquinoline-quinone subunit and a tetrahydroisoquninolinephenol subunit. where R21 is -H in safracin A and is -OH in safracin B.

Saframycin R, the only compound classified as the Type IV skeleton, was also isolated from S. lavendulae. This compound of SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 11 formula (XIII), consisting of a hydroquinone ring with a glycolic ester sidechain on one of the phenolic oxygens, is conceivably a pro-drug of saframycin A because of its moderate toxicity.

All these known compounds have a fused system of five rings (A) to (£) as shown in the following structure of formula (XIV): 17 - The rings A and E are phenolic in the ecteinascidins and some other compounds, while in other compounds, notably the saframycins, the rings A and E are quinolic. In the known compounds, the rings B and D are tetrahydro, while ring C is perhydro.

Object of the Invention och3 hn' o The need remains for alternative synthetic routes to the ecteinascidin compounds and related compounds. Such synthetic wo 01/87895 pct/gb01/02120 12 routes may provide more economic paths to the known antitumour agents, as well as permitting preparation of new active compounds.

Summary of the Invention This invention relates to synthetic processes for the formation of intermediates, derivatives and related structures of ecteinascidin or other tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol compounds.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing an ecteinascidin product with a spiroamine-l,4-bridge. The process involving forming a 1,4 bridge using a 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound, where the fused ring is the formula (XIV). In the present invention, the C-18 protection is removed before spiroamine introduction.

Suitable starting materials for the new synthetic processes include compounds related to the natural bis(tetrahydroisoquinoline) alkaloids. Such starting materials may be prepared either from the different classes of saframycin and safracin antibiotics available from different culture broths as detailed in WO 0069862 or by other synthetic or biochemical processes. In this respect, WO 0069862 is incorporated herein in full by reference. The present PCT application claims priority from application PCT/GB 00/01852 which was published as WO 0069862. We incorporate that text by reference to the extent that there is disclosure therein which is not in the present specification.

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention 13 In one particular aspect, the present invention is directed at the use of the compound Intermediate 21 in a number of new synthetic processes for the preparation of ecteinascidin 743 and related compounds, 21 The Intermediate 21 has a 5-allyloxy group, where the allyl group serves to protect the 5-hydroxy group. It will be understood that other protecting groups can easily be employed, and that the present invention extends generally to the use of other such 5-protected hydroxy compounds.

Formation of Ecteinascidin 743 and Related Compounds In general, the conversion of Intermediate 21, or a related compound, to an ecteinascidin product involves the following key transformations: (a) Conversion of the NH2 to OH by reaction, for example with sodium nitrite in acetic acid. (b) E-ring phenol protection. (c) Esterification by protecting the primary 1-hydroxy function with a protected cysteine sidechain.

OMe Me Me. (d) Deprotection of allyl group and oxidation. 14 (e) Creation of the bridged ring by cyclization reaction. (f) Deprotections of E-ring phenol and the cysteine moiety (g) Quinoline Introduction by Trans-amination and Petter Spengler reactions.

The high functionality of the intermediate compounds necessitates the use of protecting groups for the E-ring phenol and for the cysteine sidechain in order to prevent unwanted side reactions.

As such, a number of alternative intermediates can be generated dependent on the particular selection of protecting groups.

Different possible sequences are possible for combining these transformations dependent primarily on the protecting groups selected for the phenol ring and for the amine of the cysteine sidechain.

The total number of synthetic transformations is also a function of the protecting groups selected.

By way of illustration, the use of different combinations of protecting groups is described below for six typical routes for the preparation of ET-743 from Intermediate 21, also referred to herein as SF21.

Route Phenol Protection Cysteine Protection Number of steps 1 MOM Boc 12 2 MEM Boc WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 3 MEM Cbz 11 4 MOM Alloc 13 MEM Alloc 13 6 MOM Cbz 15 As the skilled artisan will readily appreciate, the reaction schemes described herein may be modified and/or combined in various ways, and the alternative sequences of steps and the compounds generated therefrom are part of this invention.

Additionally, the use of other protecting group strategies not detailed is also part of this invention.

Process Details of Six Typical Synthetic Routes Full reaction schemes for each route are in the following Schemes 1 to 6.

PCT/GBO1/02120 16 Scheme 1 - ET-743: Hemisynthetic Alternative Route 1 % x /T~\ o O-f +2-2 Q o~ X 6 Q III o£ (OH) ' X >z o X uj SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 17 Scheme 2 - ET-743: Hemisynthetic Alternative Route 2 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 18 Scheme 3 - ET-743: Hemisynthetic Alternative Route 3 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) PCT/GBO1/02120 22 In route I, protection of the E-ring phenol is achieved in three steps involving protection/deprotection of the amine of SF21 with Troc.

For routes 1 and 2, protection of the cysteine sidechain with Boc allows the phenol and cysteine groups to be deprotected in a single step rather than as two separate steps. For the rest of the routes, an additional deprotection step is required.

For route 2, Intermediate 25 is avoided through the use of the direct esterification methodology and the subsequent protection of the phenol with the MEM group.

In routes 2 and 3 protection of the E-ring phenol is delayed until after the diazotisation and esterification steps thereby allowing the phenol to be protected in a single step rather than by the three step sequence of route 1.

For routes 1, 2 and 3, direct esterification of the primary alcohol with the cysteine derivative eliminates the unproductive protection/deprotection steps of the primary alcohol with a silyl group (routes 4 and 5) thereby shortening the sequence by two steps.

Route 6 only contemplates herein the last steps from intermediate 161, which can be easily obtained from intermediate 21.

In routes 4 and 5 the primary alcohol produced by the initial diazotisation step is protected with silicon to allow selective protection of the E-ring phenol and avoiding intermediate 25. Following 23 modification of the A-ring (deprotection/oxidation), the silicon group is removed and the primary alcohol esterified with the cysteine derivative.

These changes are a direct consequence of the problems that were found in the scale up of the route given in WO 0069862. As a result of these changes the overall route 2 is three steps shorter and potentially therefore more suitable and/or cheaper for routine manufacture.

Process Overview Thus, in view of the routes 1 to 6, the present invention extends to a process for preparing an ecteinascidin product with a spiroamine-1,4-bridge, the process involving forming a 1,4 bridge using a 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound, wherein C-18 protection is removed before spiroamine introduction.

In one version of the process, the ecteinascidin product has a 21-hydroxy group, and the process includes converting a 21 -cyano group to the 21-hydroxy group.

Typically the spiroamine is a spiroquinoline, especially the spiroquinoline of ecteinascidin 743.

In a preferred process the 18-protected group of the 1-labile, 10-hydroxy, 18-protected hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one fused ring compound is protected with: MOM, methoxymethyl; or MEM, methoxyethoxymethyl group.

Suitably the 1-labile group is an N-protected cysteinyloxymethylene group of the formula PCT/GBO1/02120 24 -CH2-0-CO-CNHProt1 -CH2-S-H.

In this formula Prot1 is typically: Boc, t-butyloxycarbonyl; Troc, 2,2,2-trichloroethyloxycarbonyl; Cbz, benzyloxycarbonyl; or Alloc, allyloxycarbonyl.

With some embodiments of the process, Prot1 is removed in the same step as C-18 protection.

The 1-labile group can be generated from a 1-substituent of the formula: -CH2-0-CO-CNHProt1-CH2-S-Prot2> In this formula, Prot2 is typically Fm, 9-fluorenylmethyl.

A 1-substituent of the formula: -CH2-0-CO-CNHProt1-ch2-S-Prot2 can be formed by esterification of a -ch2-O-H substituent.

The esterification can be carried out before or after formation of the 10-hydroxy, di-6,8-en-5-one structure.

In one version, the claimed process starts from a 1-aminomethylene, 5-protected hydroxy, 7,8-dioxymethylene, 18-hydroxy, 21-cyano fused ring compound The 1-aminomethylene group can be temporarily protected to allow protection at the 18-hydroxy group, and the temporary protection removed.

Alternatively, the C-18 hydroxy group can be protected after formation of a 1-ester function.

PCT/GBO1/02120 In another variation, the 1-aminomethylene group is converted to a 1 -hydroxymethylene group and the 1-hydroxymethylne group is temporarily protected, to allow protection at the 18-hydroxy group, and the temporary protection is removed.

The fused ring structure is suitably of the formula: especially where R15 is H. One or more or all of the remaining subsitituents can be as in ecteinascidin 743.

Hemisythesis The invention permits the use of a known compound, safracin B, also referred to as quinonamine, in hemisynthetic synthesis.

More generally, the invention relates to a hemisynthetic process for the formation of intermediates, derivatives and related structures of ecteinascidin or other tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol compounds starting from natural bis(tetrahydroisoquinoline) alkaloids. Suitable starting materials for the hemi-synthetic process include the classes of saframycin and safracin antibiotics available from different culture broths, and also the classes of reineramicin and xestomycin compounds available from marine sponges.

A general formula (XV) for the starting compounds is as follows: PCT/GBO1/02120 26 where: Rl is an amidomethylene group such as -ch2-NH-CO-CR25aR25bR25c where R25a and R25b form a keto group or one is -OH, -nh2 or -ococh3 and the other is -ch2coch3, -H, -OH or -ococh3, provided that when R25a is _oh or -nh2 then R25b is not -OH, and R25c is -H, -ch3 or -ch2ch3, or R1 is an acyloxymethylene group such as -ch2-O-CO-R, where R is -C(CH3)=CH-CH3 or -CH3; R5 and R8 are independently chosen from -H, -OH or -ococh2oh, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring; Ri4® and R14b are both -H or one is -H and the other is -OH, -och3 or - och2ch3, or R14a and R14b together form a keto group; R15 and R18 are independently chosen from -H or -OH, or R5 and R8 are both keto and the ring A is a p-benzoquinone ring; and R2i is -OH or -CN.

A more general formula for these class of compounds is provided below: *2 wherein the substituent groups defined by Ri, R2, r3, r4, Rs, R6, r7, Rs, r9, Rio are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, OCH3, CN, O, CH3; 27 wherein X are the different amide or ester functionalities contained in the mentioned natural products; wherein each dotted circle represents one, two or three optional double bonds.

Thus, according to the present invention, we now provide hemisynthetic routes for the production of intermediates including Intermediates 11 or 21 and thus for the production of the ecteinascidin compounds as well as phthaiascidin and additional compounds. The hemisynthetic routes of the invention each comprise a number of transformation steps to arrive at the desired product. Each step in itself is a process in accordance with this invention. The invention is not limited to the routes that are exemplified, and alternative routes may be provided by, for example, changing the order of the transformation steps, as appropriate or by a change to the protecting groups used.

In particular, this invention involves the provision of a 21-cyano starting material of general formula (XVI): och3 where R1, R5, R8, R14a, R14b, R15 and R18 are as defined.

Other compounds of formula (XVI) with different substituents at the 21-position may also represent possible starting materials. In general, any derivative capable of production by nucleophilic displacement of the 21-hydroxy group of compounds of formula (XV) wherein R21 is a hydroxy group cis a candidate. Examples of suitable 21-substituents include but are not limited to: r8 r1 cn 28 a mercapto group; an alkylthio group (the alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms); an arylthio group (the aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms and being unsubstituted or substituted by from 1 to 5 substituents selected from, for example, alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, mercapto groups and nitro groups); an amino group; a mono-or dialkylamino (the or each alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms); a mono-or diaiylamino group (the or each aiyl group being as defined above in relation to arylthio groups); an a-carbonylalkyl group of formula -C(Ra)(Rb)-C(=0)Rc, where Ra and Rb are selected from hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl groups (as defined above in relation to arylthio groups) and aralkyl groups (in which an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms is substituted by an aryl group a defined above in relation to arylthio groups), with the proviso that one of Ra and Rb is a hydrogen atom; Rc is selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl groups (as defined above in relation to arylthio groups), an aralkyl group (in which an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms is substituted by an aryl group a defined above in relation to aiylthio groups), an alkoxy group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an amino group or a mono- or dialkylamino group as defined above.

Thus, in a more general aspect, the present invention relates to processes where the first step is to form a 21-deriviative using a nucleophilic reagent. We refer to such compounds as 21-Nuc compounds.

PCT/GBO1/02120 29 The presence of the 21-cyano group is required for some of the end-products, notably ecteinascidin 770 and phthaiascidin, while for other end-products it acts as a protecting group which can readily be converted to another substituent, such as the 21-hydroxy group of ecteinascidin 743 or of 21-hydroxyphthalascidin. The adoption of the 21-cyano compound as the starting material effectively stabilises the molecule during the ensuing synthetic steps, until it is optionally removed. Other 21-Nuc compounds can offer this and other advantages.

In one important aspect, the present invention consists in the use of a 21-cyano compound of the general formula (XVI) in the preparation of a bis- or tris-(tetrahydroisoquinolinephenol) compounds. Products which may be prepared include intermediates such as Intermediate 11 or 21, and the ecteinascidins, as well as new and known compounds of related structure.

Preferred starting materials include those compounds of formula (XV) or (XVI) where R14a and R14b are both hydrogen. Preferred starting materials also include compounds of formula (XV) or (XVI) where R15 is hydrogen. Furthermore, the preferred starting materials include compounds of formula (XV) or (XVI) where ring £ is a phenolic ring. Preferred starting materials further include compounds of formula (XV) or (XVI) where at least one, better at least two or three of R5, R8, R15 and R18 is not hydrogen.

Examples of suitable starting materials for this invention include saframycin A, saframycin B, saframycin C, saframycin G, saframycin H, saframycin S, saframycin y3, saframycin Ydi, saframycin Adi, saframycin Yd2, saframycin ah2, saframycin AH2Ac, saframycin AHi, saframycin AHiAc, saframycin ar3, renieramycin A, renieramycin B, renieramycin C, renieramycin D, renieramycin E, renieramycin F, PCT/GBO1/02120 xestomycin, saframycin D, saframycin F, saframycin Mx-1, saframycin Mx-2, safracin A, safracin B and saframycin R. Preferred starting materials have a cyano group in position 21, for the group R21.

In a particularly preferred aspect, the invention involves a hemisynthetic process wherein the transformation steps are applied to safracin B: OMe SAFRACIN B Safracin B presents a ring system closely related to the ecteinascidins. This compound has the same pentacycle structure and the same substitution pattern in the right-hand aromatic ring, ring E. Also, safracin B presents very close similarities to some of the synthetic intermediates in the total synthesis of ET-743, particularly to the intermediates 11 or 21. Such intermediate can be transformed into Et-743 using a well established method. Synthetic conversion of safracin B into intermediates 11 or 21 will therefore provide an hemi-synthetic method to obtain ET-743.

Thus, we provide Intermediates 11 or 21 made from this compound safracin B, and compounds derived from Intermediate 11 or 21, particularly ecteinascidin compounds. We further provide phthaiascidin made from safracin B. The invention also relates to use of safracin.B in the production of Intermediates 11 or 21, ecteinascidin compounds and the other intermediates of the invention. The 3! invention also relates to compounds described herein derived from the other suggested starting materials, and use of those compounds in the production of such compounds.

The more preferred starting materials of this invention have a 21-cyano group. The currently most preferred compound of the present invention is the compound of Formula 2. This compound is obtained directly from safracin B and is considered a key intermediate in the hemisynthetic process.

In a related aspect, we provide cyanosafracin B by fermentation of a safracin B-producing strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens, and working up the cultured broth using cyanide ion. The preferred strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens is strain A2-2, FERM BP-14, which is employed in the procedure of EP 055,299. A suitable source of cyanide ion is potassium cyanide. In a typical work-up, the broth is filtered and excess cyanide ion is added. After an appropriate interval of agitation, such as 1 hour, the pH is rendered alkaline, say pH 9.5, and an organic extraction gives a crude extract which can be further purified to give the cyanosafracin B.

For the avoidance of doubt, the stereochemistries indicated in this patent specification are based on our understanding of the correct stereochemistry of the natural products. To the extent that an error is discovered in the assigned stereochemistry, then the appropriate OMe .Me compound 2 PCT/GBO1/02120 32 correction needs to be made in the formulae given throughout in this patent specification. Furthermore, to the extent that the syntheses are capable of modification, this invention extends to stereoisomers.

The products of this invention are typically of the formula (XVIIb): where R1 and R4 together form a group of formula (IV), (V) (VI) or (VII): R5 is -H or -OH; R7 and R8 together form a group -O-ch2-O-; R14a and R14b are both -H or one is -H and the other is -OH, -och3 or -och2ch3, or R14a and R14b together form a keto group; and Ris is -H or -OH; R2i is -H, -OH or -CN; and derivatives including acyl derivatives thereof especially where R5 is acetyloxy or other acyloxy group of up to 4 carbon atoms.

OCH3 CH3O ho or In the formula (XVIIb), R1 typically with R4 forms a group (IV) or (V). The group R18 is usually protected. Usually R21 is cyano. 33 Preferably R14a and R14b are hydrogen. Preferably R15 is hydrogen. The O-acyl derivatives are suitably aliphatic O-acyl derivatives, especially acyl derivatives of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and typically an O-acetyl group, notably at the 5-position.

Suitable protecting groups for phenols and hydroxy groups include ethers and esters, such as alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aiyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, alkylsilylalkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, aiylthioalkyl, azidoalkyl, cyanoalkyl, chloroalkyl, heterocyclic, axylacyl, haloarylacyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alyklarylalkyl, alkoxyarylalkyl, nitroarylalkyl, haloaiylalkyl, alkylaminocarbonylaiylalkyl, alkylsulfinylarylalky, alkylsilyl and other ethers, and arylacyl, aiyl alkyl carbonate, aliphatic carbonate, alkylsulfinylarlyalkyl carbonate, alkyl carbonate, aiyl haloalkyl carbonate, aryl alkenyl carbonate, aiyl carbamate, alkyl phosphinyl, alkylphosphinothioyl, aiyl phosphinothioyl, aiyl alkyl sulphonate and other esters. Such groups may optionally be substituted with the previously mentioned groups in R1.

Suitable protecting groups for amines include carbamates, amides, and other protecting groups, such as alkyl, arylalkyl, sulpho- or halo- arylalkyl, haloalkyl, alkylsilylalkyl, arylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkylarylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, nitroarylalkyl, acylaminoalkyl, nitroaryldithioarylalkyl, dicycloalkylcarboxamidoalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aiylalkenyl, nitroarylalkenyl, heterocyclylalkenyl, heterocyclyl, hydroxyheterocyclyl, alkyldithio, alkoxy- or halo- or alkylsulphinyl arylalkyl, hetercyclylacyl, and other carbamates, and alkanoyl, haloalkanoyl, arylalkanoyl, alkenoyl, heterocyclylacyl, aroyl, arylaroyl, haloaroyl, nitroaroyl, and other amides, as well as alkyl, alkenyl, alkylsilylalkoxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cyanoalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkoxyarylalkyl, cycloalkyl, nitroaryl, aiylalkyl, alkoxy- or hydroxy- 34 arylalkyl, and many other groups. Such groups may optionally be substituted with the previously mentioned groups in R1.

Examples of such protecting groups are given in the following tables. protection for -OH group ethers abbreviation methyl methoxymethyl MOM benayloxymethyl BOM methoxyethoxymethyl MEM 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl SEM methylthiomethyl MTM phenylthiomethyl PTM azidomethyl cyanomethyl 2,2-dichloro-l, 1 -difluoroethyl 2-chloroethyl 2-bromoethyI tetrahydropyranyl THP 1-ethoxyethyl EE phenacyl 4-bromophenacyl cyclopropylmethyl allyl propargyl isopropyl cyclohexyl f-butyl PCT/GBO1/02120 benzyl 2,6-dimethylbenzyl 4-methoxybenzyl MPM or PMB o-nitrobenzyl 2,6-dichlorobenzyl 3,4-dichlorobenzyl 4- (dimethylamino) carbonylbenzyl 4-methylsuflinylbenzyl Msib 9-anthiylmethyl 4-picolyl heptafluoro-p-tolyl tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl trimethylsilyl TMS t-butyldimethylsilyl TBDMS t-butyldiphenylsilyl TBDPS triisopropylsilyl TIPS esters aiyl formate aryl acetate aryl levulinate aiyl pivaloate ArOPv aryl benzoate aiyl 9-fluorocarboxylate aryl methyl carbonate 1-adamantyl carbonate t-butyl carbonate BOC-OAr 4-methylsulfmylbenzyl carbonate Msz-Oar 2,4-dimethylpent-3-yl carbonate Doc-Oar PCT/GBO1/02120 36 aiyl 2,2,2-trichloroethyl carbonate aryl vinyl carbonate aryl ben2yl carbonate aiyl carbamate dimethylphosphinyl dimethylphosphinothioyl diphenylphosphinothioyl Dmp-OAr Mpt-OAr Dpt-Oar aiyl methanesulfonate aiyl toluenesulfonate aryl 2-formylbenzenesulfonate protection for the -NH2 group carbamates abbreviation methyl ethyl 9 -fluorenylmethyl 9-(2-sulfo)fluroenylmethyl 9-(2,7-dibromo)fluorenylmethyl 17 -tetrabenzo[ a, c, g, 1] fluorenylmethyl 2-chloro-3-indenylmethyl benz[/]inden-3-ylmethyl 2,7-di-t-butyl[9 -(10,10-dioxo-10,10,10,10- tetrahydrothioxanthyl)]methyl 2,2,2-trichloroethyl 2 -trimethylsilylethyl 2-phenylethyl Fmoc Tbfmoc Climoc Bimoc DBD-Tmoc Troc Teoc hZ 37 1 - (1 -adamantyl) -1 -methylethyl 2-chlooethyl 1,1 -dimethyl-2-chIoroethyl 1,1 -dimethyl-2-bromoethyl 1,1 -dimethyl-2,2-dibromoethyl 1,1 -dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloroethyl 1 -methyl-1 -(4-biphenyl)ethyl 1 - (3,5-di- i-butylphenyl) -1 -1 -methylethyl 2-(2'-and 4'-pyridyl)ethyl 2,2-bis(4'-nitrophenyl) ethyl n-(2-pivaloylamino)-1,1 -dimethylethyl 2-[(2-nitrophenyl)dithio]-1 -phenylethyl 2 - (n, n-dicy clohexylcarboxamido) ethyl f-butyl 1-adamantyl 2-adamantyl vinyl allyl 1 -isopropylallyl cinnamyl 4-nitrocinnamyl 3-(3'-pyridyl)prop-2-enyl 8-quinolyl n-hydroxypiperidinyl alkyldithio ben2yl p-methoxybenzyl p-nitrobenzyl p- bromoben2yl p-chlorobenzyl 2,4-dichlorobenzyl 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl PCT/GBO1/02120 Adpoc DB-f-BOC TCBOC Bpoc t-Burmeoc Pyoc Bnpeoc NpSSPeoc BOC 1-Adoc 2-Adoc Voc Aloe or Alloc Ipaoc Coc Noc Paloc Cbz or Z Moz PNZ Msz 38 9-anthrylmethyl diphenylmethyl phenothiazinyl- (10)-carbonyl n'-p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonyl n -phenylaminothiocarbonyl amides formamide acetamide chloroacetamide trifluoroacetamide TFA phenylacetamide 3-phenylpropanamide pent-4 -enamide picolinamide 3 -pyridylcarboxamide benzamide p-phenylbenzamide n-phthalimide n-tetrachlorophthalimide TCP 4-nitro-n-phthalimide n-dithiasuccinimide Dts n-2,3-diphenylmaleimide n-2,5-dimethylpyrrole n-2,5-bis(triisopropylsiloxyl)pyrrole BIPSOP n-1,1,4,4- STABASE tetramethyldisiliazacyclopentante adduct 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disilaisoindoline BSB special -NH protective groups PCT/GBO1/02120 39 n-methylamine n-t-butylamine n-allylamine n-[2-trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methylamine SEM n-3-acetoxypropylamine n-cyanomethylamine n-( 1 -isopropyl-4-nitro-2-oxo-3-pyrrolin-3- yl) amine n-2,4-dimethoxyben2ylamine Dmb 2-azanorbornenes n-2,4-dinitrophenylamine n-benzylamine Bn n-4-methoxybenzylamine MPM ri-2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine DMPM n-2-hydroxybenzylamine Hbn n-(diphenylmethyl)amino DPM n-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)methylamine n-5-dibenzosubeiylamine DBS n-triphenylmethylamine Tr n-[( 4- MMTr methoxyphenyl)diphenylmethyl]amino n-9-phenylflurenylamine Pf n-ferrocenylmethylamine Fcm n-2-picolylamine n-oxide n-1,1 -dimethylthiomethyleneamine n-benzylideneamine n-p-methoxybenzylideneamine n-diphenylmethyleneamine n-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-1 - cy clohexenyl) amine n-nitroamine n-nitrosoamine 40 diphenylphosphinamide dimethylthiophosphinamide diphenylthiophosphinamide diben2yl phosphoramidate 2-nitxobenzenesuIfenamide n- l-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-diphenyl) ethylsufenamide 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenamide p-toluenesulfonamide benzenesulfonamide Dpp Mpt Ppt Nps TDE Npys Ts Particular ecteinascidin products of this invention include compounds of the formula (XVIII): ochj .CH3 u-0 r1 &21 where R1 and R4 form a group of formula (IV), (V), (VI) or (VII): more particularly a group (IV) or (V); R21 is -H, -OH or -CN, more particularly -OH or -CN; and acyl derivatives thereof, more particularly 5-acyl derivatives including the 5-acetyl derivative. 41 In general, the conversion of the 21-cyano starting compound to an ecteinascidin product of, for example, formula (XVIII) involves: a) conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring E into the phenol system b) conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring A into the phenol system; c) conversion of the phenol system for the ring A into the methylenedioxyphenol ring; d) formation of the bridged spiro ring system of formula (IV), (VI) or (VII) across the 1-position and 4-position in ring B; and e) derivatisation as appropriate, such as acylation.

Step (a), conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring E into the phenol system, can be effected by conventional reduction procedures. A suitable reagent system is hydrogen with a palladium-carbon catalyst, though other reducing systems can be employed.

Step (b), conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring A into the phenol system is analogous to step (a), and more detail is not needed.

Step (c), conversion of the phenol system for the ring A into the methylenedioxyphenol ring, can be effected in several ways, possibly along with step (b). For example, a quinone ring A can be demethylated in the methoxy substituent at the 7-position and reduced to a dihydroquinone and trapped with a suitable electrophilic reagent such as CH2Br2, BrCKhCl, or a similar divalent reagent directly yielding the methylenedioxy ring system, or with a divalent reagent such as thiocarbonyldiimidazol which yields a substituted methylenedioxy ring system which can be converted to the desired ring. 42 Step (d) is typically effected by appropriate substitution at the 1 -position with a bridging reagent that can assist formation of the desired bridge, forming an exendo quinone methide at the 4-position and allowing the methide to react with the 1-substituent to bring about the bridged structure. Preferred bridging reagents are of formula (XIX) • 0Hy° Prot3 Fu where Fu indicates a protected functional group, such as a group -NHProt4a, Prot3 is a protecting group, and the dotted line shows an optional double bond.

Suitably the methide is formed by first introducing a hydroxy group at the 10-position at the junction of rings A and B to give a partial structure of formula (XX): O or more preferably a partial structure of formula (XXI): 0*^R" where the group R" is chosen for the desired group of formula (IV), (V), (VI) or (VII). For the first two such groups, the group R" typically takes the form -CHFu-ch2-SProt3. The protecting groups can then be removed and modified as appropriate to give the desired compound. 43 A typical procedure for step (d) is provided in US Patent 5,721,362 incorporated by reference. Particular reference is made to the passage at column 8, step (1) and Example 33 of the US Patent, and related passages.

Derivatisation in step (e) can include acylation, for instance with a group Ra-CO-, where Ra can be various groups such as alkyl, alkoxy, alkylene, arylalkyl, arylalkylene, amino acid acyl, or heterocyclyl, each optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, carboxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, alkyl, amino or substituted amino. Other acylating agents include isothiocyanates, such as aiyl isothiocyanates, notably phenyl isocyanate. The alkyl, alkoxy or alkylene groups of Ra suitably have 1 to 6 or 12 carbon atoms, and can be linear, branched or cyclic. Aiyl groups are typically phenyl, biphenyl or naphthyl. Heterocyclyl groups can be aromatic or partially or completely unsaturated and suitably have 4 to 8 ring atoms, more preferably 5 or 6 ring atoms, with one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen.

Without being exhaustive, typical Ra groups include alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkoxyalkyl, aiylalkylene, haloalkylarylakylene, acyl, haloacyl, arlyalkyl, alkenyl and amino acid. For example, Ra-CO- can be acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, isovalerylcarbonyl, trans-3-(trifluoromethyl)cinnamoylcarbonyl, heptafluorobutyrylcarbonyl, decanoylcarbonyl, trans-cinnamoylcarbonyl, butyiylcarbonyl, 3-chloropropyonylcarbonyl, cinnamoylcarbonyl, 4-methylcinnamoylcarbonyl, hydrocinnamoylcarbonyl, or trans-hexenoylcarbonyl, or alanyl, arginyl, aspartyl, asparagyl, cystyl, glutamyl, glutaminyl, glycyl, histidyl, hydroxyprolyl., isoleucyl, leucyl, lysyl, methionyl, phenylalanyl, prolyl, seiyl, threonyl, thyronyl, tiyptophyl, tyrosyl, valyl, as well as other less common amino acid acyl PCT/GBO1/02120 44 groups, as well as phthalimido and other cyclic amides. Other examples may be found among the listed protecting groups. Compounds wherein -CO-Ra is derived from an amino acid and include an amino group can themselves form acyl derivatives. Suitable N-acyl commands include dipeptides which in turn can form N-acyl derivatives.

By way of illustration, it is now feasible to transform cyanosafracin B compound of formula 2 into ET-743 resulting in a shorter and more straightforward way to make ET-743 than methods previously described.

The retrosynthetic analysis to make ET-743 using compound 29 is depicted in scheme I.

Scheme I Hr OMe Me< \—O Me Me. 0 Me Me OH OH NHTroc ET-743 INT-27 INT-25 Me SAFRACIN-B 45 Following the above scheme I it is possible to obtain ET-743 in 21 linear steps. This method transforms cyanosafracin B into intermediate 25 through a sequence of reactions that involves essentially (1) removal of methoxy group placed in ring A, (2) reduction of ring A and formation of methylene-dioxy group in one pot, (3) hydrolysis of amide function placed over carbon 1, (4) transformation of the resulting amine group into hydroxyl group. Furthermore the method avoids protection and de-protection of the primary alcohol function at the position 1 in ring B of compound 25 using directly a cysteine residue 29 to form intermediate 27. Cysteine derivative 29 is protected in the amino group with P -p -(3-trichloroethoxycarbony 1 protecting group in order to have compatibility with the existing allyl and MOM groups. Intermediate 27 is directly oxidized and cycled. These circumstances, together with a different de-protecting strategy in the later stages of the synthesis makes the route novel and more amenable to industrial development than the process of US 5,721,362..

The conversion of the 2-cyano compound into Intermediate 25 usually involves the following steps (see scheme II): formation of the protected compound of Formula 14 by reacting 2 with tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride; converting of 14 into the di-protected compound of Formula 15 by reacting with bromomethylmethyl ether and diisopropylethylamine in acetonitrile; selectively elimination of the methoxy group of the quinone system in 15 to obtain the compound of Formula 16 by reacting with a methanolic solution of sodium hydroxide; PCT/GBO1/02120 46 transforming of 16 into the methylene-dioxy compound of Formula 18 by employing the next preferred sequence: (1) quinone group of compound 16 is reduced with 10% Pd/C under hydrogen atmosphere; (2) the hydroquinone intermediate is converted into the methylenedioxy compound of Formula 17 by reacting with bromochloromethane and caesium carbonate tinder hydrogen atmosphere; (3) 17 is transformed into the compound of Formula 18 by protecting the free hydroxyl group as a och2r group. This reaction is c.arried out with BrCHhR and caesium carbonate, where R can be aiyl, CH=ch2, OR' etc. elimination of the tert-butoxycarbonyl and the methyloxymethyl protecting groups of 18 to afford the compound of Formula 19 by reacting with a solution of HC1 in dioxane. Also this reaction is achieved by mixing 18 with a solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane; formation of the thiourea compound of Formula 20 by reacting 19 with phenylisothiocyanate; converting compound of Formula 20 into the amine compound of Formula 21 by reacting with a solution of hydrogen chloride in dioxane; transforming compound of Formula 21 into the N-Troc derivative 22 by reacting with trichloroethyl chloroformate and pyridine; formation of the protected hydroxy compound of Formula 23 by reacting 22 with bromomethylmethyl ether and diisopropylethylamine; transforming compound of Formula 23 into the N-H derivative 24 by reacting with acetic acid and zinc; WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 47/1 conversion of compound of Formula 24 into the hydroxy compound of Formula 25 by reaction with sodium nitrite in acetic acid.

Alternatively, it can be used nitrogen tetroxide in a mixture of acetic acid and acetonitrile followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide.

Also, it can be used sodium nitrite in a mixture of acetic anhydride-acetic acid, followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide.

Scheme II PCT/GBO1/02120 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 48/1 The conversion of the Intermediate 25 compound into ET-743 using cysteine derivative 29 usually involves the following steps (see scheme III): Scheme III © 2 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 48/2 PCT/GBO1/02120 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 49 transforming compound of formula 24 into the derivative 30 by protecting the primary hydroxyl function with (S)-N-2,2,2-tricloroethoxycarbonyl- S - (9 H-fluoren-9 -ylmethy 1) cysteine 29; converting the protected compound of formula 30 into the phenol derivative 31 by cleavage of the allyl group with tributyltin hydride and dichloropalladium-bis (triphenylphosphine); transforming the phenol compound of Formula 31 into compound of formula 32 by oxidation with benzeneseleninic anhydride at low temperature; transforming the hydroxy compound of formula 32 into the lactone 33 by the following sequence: (1) Reacting compound of formula 32 with 2 eq. of triflic anhydride and 5 eq. of DMSO. (2) followed by reaction with 8 eq. of diisopropylethylamine. (3) followed by reaction with 4 eq of t-butyl alcohol (4) followed by reaction with 7 eq of 2-ter£-Butyl-l,l,3,3,tetramethylguanidine (5) followed by reaction with 10 eq of acetic anhydride; transforming the lactone compound 33 into hydroxyl compound 34 by removal of MOM protecting group with TMSI; cleaving the N-trichloroethoxycarbonyl group of the compound of formula 34 into compound 35 by reaction with Zn/AcOH; transforming the amino compound 35 into the corresponding a-keto lactone compound 36 by reaction with N-methyl pyridinium carboxaldehyde chloride followed by DBU; forming ET-770 by reacting compound of Formula 36 with 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylethylamine; 50 transforming ET-770 into ET-743 by reaction with silver nitrate in a mixture of ACN/H2O.

Formation ofIntermediateH and related intermediates The retrosynthetic analysis is described in the following sequence.

In the present invention, a key class of intermediate includes Intermediate 11 and has the general formula (XXI): where Prot1 and Prot2 are hydroxy protecting groups, preferably different. For Intermediate 11 itself, the group Prot1 is a methoxymethyl group, and Prot2 is a t-butyldiphenylsilyl group.

The conversion of the 21-cyano compound to Intermediate 11 or a related intermediate of formula (XXI) usually involves the following steps: a) conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring E into the phenol system b) formation of the -OProt1 group at the 18-position, in ring E; 51 c) formation of the -ch2-OProt2 group at the 1-position, in ring B; and d) conversion if necessary of a quinone system for the ring A into the phenol system; e) conversion of the phenol system for the ring A into the methylenedioxyphenol ring.

Step (b), formation of the -OProt1 group at the 18-position in ring E, is a typical protection reaction for a phenol group, and no special comments need to be made. Appropriate conditions are chosen depending on the nature of the protecting group. The other steps are similar to the other reactions.

Step (b), formation of the -ch2-OProt2 group at the 1-position in ring B, is normally carried out by forming a group -ch2nh2 at the 1-position and then converting the amine function to a hydroxy function and protecting. Thus, where the starting material has a group R1 which is -ch2-NH-CO-CR25aR25bR25c then it is matter of removing the N-acyl group. Where the starting material has a group R1 which is -CH2-O-CO-R then no change may be needed for an ecteinascidin product where the substituent R1 is the same. For other products, it is matter of removing the O-acyl group. Various procedures are available for such de-acylations. In one variation, the deacylation and conversion to a hydroxy function are performed in one step. Thereafter, the hydroxy group can be acylated or otherwise converted to give the appropriate R1 group.

U.S. Patent N° 5,721,362 describe synthetic methods to make ET-743 through a long multistep synthesis. One of the Intermediates of this synthesis is Intermediate 11. Using cyanosafracin B as starting material it is possible to reach Intermediate 11 providing a much 52 shorter way to make such Intermediate and therefor improving the method to make ET-743 Cyanosafracin B can be converted into Intermediate 25 by the methods described above. From Intermediate 25 is possible to reach Intermediate 11 using the following steps, see scheme VII. formation of the protected hydroxy compound of Formula 26 by reacting 25 with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride in the presence of a base; final cleavage of the allyl group with tributyltin hydride and dichloropalladium-bis (triphenylphosphine) in 26 that leads to the formation of the intermediate 11.

Scheme VII 26 Bu3SnH lnt-11 One embodiment of the synthetic process of the present invention to transform safracin B into intermediate 11 is a modification and extension of Scheme VIII and comprises the sequential steps of: stereospecifically converting the compound Safracin B to the compound of Formula 2 by selective replacement of OH by CN by reacting with KCN in acid media; 53 forming the thiourea compound of Formula 3 by reacting compound of Formula 2 with phenyl isothiocyanate; converting the thiourea compound of Formula 3 into the acetamide of Formula 5 by an hydrolysis in acid media followed by addition of acetic anhydride; The intermediate amine compound of Formula 4 can be isolated by quenching the hydrolysis in acid media with sodium bicarbonate, but this intermediate is highly unstable, and is transformed quickly into a five member cyclic imine, named compound 6; forming the protected compound of Formula 7 by reacting with bromomethylmethyl ether and diisopropylethylamine in dichloromethane; selectively de-methylating the methoxy group of the quinone system of compound of Formula 7 into the compound of Formula 8 by reacting with methanolic solution of sodium hydroxide; transforming the compound of Formula 8 into methylenedioxy-compound of Formula 9 by the preferred following sequence: (1) quinone group of compound 8 is reduced with 10% Pd/C under hydrogen atmosphere; (2) the hydroquinone intermediate is converted into the methylene-dioxy compound of Formula 9 by reacting with bromochloromethane and cesium carbonate under hydrogen atmosphere; (3) compound of Formula 9 is transformed into compound of Formula 10 by protecting the free hydroxyl group as a och2r group, by reacting with BrCH2R and cesium carbonate, where R can be aryl, CH=CH2, OR' etc.; converting the acetamide group of compound of Formula 10 into the corresponding hydroxyl group of Formula 25 by reaction with nitrogen tetroxide in a mixture of acetic acid and acetic acetate followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide; alternatively can be used sodium nitrite in a mixture of acetic anhydride acetic acid, followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide; alternatively the acetamide group of compound of Formula 10 can be converted into the primary amine PCT/GBO1/02120 54 group by reacting with hydrazine or with B0C2O, DMAP followed by hydrazine; such primary amine can be converted into the corresponding hydroxyl group (compound of Formula 25) by an oxidative conversion of the primaiy amine into the corresponding aldehyde with 4-formyl-l-methylpyridinium benzenesulphonate or other pyridinium ion, followed by DBU or other base treatment and further hydrolization, and followed by the reduction of the aldehyde to the corresponding hydroxyl group with lithium aluminium hydride or other reducing agent; forming the protected compound of Formula 26 by reacting with t-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride and dimethylaminopyridine in dichloromethane (Scheme VII); transforming the silylated compound of Formula 26 into the intermediate 11 by deprotection of the och2r protecting group, by reacting under reductive conditions or acid conditions. Typical procedures are with palladium black under hydrogen atmosphere, or aqueous TFA, or tributyltin hydride and dichlorobis (triphenylphosphine palladium).

Scheme VIII 55/1 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 55/2 PCT/GBO1/02120 In yet another preferred modification, the cyano compound of Formula 2 can be transformed into Intermediate 11 using an extension of the scheme II, involving the further steps of. formation of the protected hydroxy compound of Formula 26 by reacting 25 with terf-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride in the presence of a base; final cleavage of the allyl group with tributyltin hydride and dichloropalladium-bis (triphenylphosphine) in 26 that leads to the formation of the intermediate 11.

Thus, by these and other routes, it is possible to transform cyanosafracin B into a number of intermediates and derivatives with potential antitumor therapeutic activity. These intermediates can be made starting from already described compounds, or using alternative routes.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) PCT/GBO1/02120 56 Novel Intermediate Compounds In the light of the preceding explanations, it can be seen that the present invention provides novel intermediate compounds. Depending on ring A, the intermediates are of formula (XXIIa): OCHa where: R1 is -CH2NH2 or -CH2OH, or a protected or derivatised version of such a group and R4 is -H; or Rla and R4 together form a group of formula (IV), (V), (VI) or (VII): or of formula (XXIIb): och3 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) PCT/GBO1/02120 57 R5 is -OH or a protected or derivatised version of such a group; R14a and R14b are both -H or one is -H and the other is -OH or a protected or derivatised version of such a group, -och3 or -och2ch3, or R14a and R14b together form a keto group; Ri2 is -H-, -CH3- or -ch2ch3-; R15 is -H, -OH or a protected or derivatised version of such a group; and R18 is -OH or a protected or derivatised version of such a group.

In one embodiment, preferably at least of R1 , R5, R14a, R14b, R15 or R18 is a protected or derivatised group.

In one variation of this invention, the group R1 is not a tert-butyldiphenylsilyl substituent and/or the group R18 is not a methoxymethyl group.

Preferably R1 is -ch2nh2 or -ch2oh, or a protected or derivatised version of such a group and R4 is -H; or Rla and R4 together form a group: Preferably R14a and R14b are both -H.

One preferred class of intermediates includes the compound which we identify as compound 25, of formula: SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 58/1 Me The preferred class is thus of the general formula where the group MOM is replaced by any other protecting group.

Other preferred intermediates includes the compounds which we identify as compound 45 and 43 (Scheme IX).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 58/2 Other N-acyl derivatives may readily be made from compound 45 and are an important part of this invention. Suitable acyl groups include those previously mentioned. The corresponding 21-hydroxy compounds are also useful and are among the active compounds which we have found.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 59 Novel Active Compounds We have additionally found that certain of the compounds of the invention which we initially prepared as intermediates have exceptional activity in the treatment of cancers, such as leukaemias, lung cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer and melanoma.

Thus, the present invention provides a method of treating any mammal, notably a human, affected by cancer which comprises administering to the affected individual a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations, which contain as active ingredient a compound or compounds of the invention, as well as the processes for their preparation.

Examples of pharmaceutical compositions include any solid (tablets, pills, capsules, granules, etc.) or liquid (solutions, suspensions or emulsions) with suitable composition or oral, topical or parenteral administration, and they may contain the pure compound or in combination with any carrier or other pharmacologically active compounds. These compositions may need to be sterile when administered parenterally.

Administration of the compounds or compositions of the present invention may be by any suitable method, such as intravenous infusion, oral preparations, intraperitoneal and intravenous administration. We prefer that infusion times of up to 24 hours are used, more preferably 2-12 hours, with 2-6 hours most preferred. Short infusion times which PCT/GBO1/02120 60 allow treatment to be carried out without an overnight stay in hospital are especially desirable. However, infusion may be 12 to 24 hours or even longer if required. Infusion may be carried out at suitable intervals of say 2 to 4 weeks. Pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the invention may be delivered by liposome or nanosphere encapsulation, in sustained release formulations or by other standard delivery means.

The correct dosage of the compounds will vary according to the particular formulation, the mode of application, and the particular situs, host and tumour being treated. Other factors like age, body weight, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, condition of the host, drug combinations, reaction sensitivities and severity of the disease shall be taken into account. Administration can be carried out continuously or periodically within the maximum tolerated dose.

The compounds and compositions of this invention may be used with other drugs to provide a combination therapy. The other drugs may form part of the same composition, or be provided as a separate composition for administration at the same time or a different time. The identity of the other drug is not particularly limited, and suitable candidates include: a) drugs with antimitotic effects, especially those which target cytoskeletal elements, including microtubule modulators such as taxane drugs (such as taxol, paclitaxel, taxotere, docetaxel), podophylotoxins or vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine); b) antimetabolite drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, cytarabine, gemcitabine, purine analogues such as pentostatin, methotrexate); c) alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (such as cyclophosphamide or ifosphamide); d) drugs which target DNA such as the antracycline drugs adriamycin, doxorubicin, pharmorubicin or epirubicin; 61 e) drugs which target topoisomerases such as etoposide; f) hormones and hormone agonists or antagonists such as estrogens, antiestrogens (tamoxifen and related compounds) and androgens, flutamide, leuprorelin, goserelin, cyprotrone or octreotide; g) drugs which target signal transduction in tumour cells including antibody derivatives such as herceptin; h) alkylating drugs such as platinum drugs (cis-platin, carbonplatin, oxaliplatin, paraplatin) or nitrosoureas; i) drugs potentially affecting metastasis of tumours such as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors; j) gene therapy and antisense agents; k) antibody therapeutics; 1) other bioactive compounds of marine origin, notably the didemnins such as aplidine; m) steroid analogues, in particular dexamethasone; n) anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular dexamethasone; and o) anti-emetic drugs, in particular dexamethasone.

The present invention also extends to the compounds of the invention for use in a method of treatment, and to the use of the compounds in the preparation of a composition for treatment of cancer.

CytotoxicActivity Cell Cultures. Cells were maintained in logarithmic phase of growth in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium, with Earle's Balanced Salts, with 2.0 mM L-glutamine, with non-essential amino acids, without sodium bicarbonate (EMEM/neaa); supplemented with 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS), 10"2 M sodium bicarbonate and 0.1 g/1 penicillin-G + streptomycin sulfate. 62 A simple screening procedure has been carried out to determine and compare the antitumour activity of these compounds, using an adapted form of the method described by Bergeron et al (1984). The tumour cell line employed have been P-388 (suspension culture of a lymphoid neoplasm from DBA/2 mouse), A-549 (monolayer culture of a human lung carcinoma), HT-29 (monolayer culture of a human colon carcinoma) and MEL-28 (monolayer culture of a human melanoma).

P-388 cell were seeded into 16 mm wells at lxlO4 cells per well in 1 ml aliquots of MEM 5FCS containing the indicated concentration of drug. A separate set of cultures without drug was seeded as control growth to ensure that cells remained in exponential phase of growth. All determinations were carried out in duplicate. After three days of incubation at 37°C, 10% co2 in a 98% humid atmosphere, an approximately ic50 was determined by comparing the growth in wells with drug to the growth in wells control.

A-549, HT-29 and MEL-28 were seeded into 16 mm wells at 2xl04 cells per well in 1 ml aliquots of MEM 10FCS containing the indicated concentration of drug. A separate set of cultures without drug was seeded as control growth to ensure that cells remained in exponential phase of growth. All determinations were carried out in duplicate.

After three days of incubation at 37°C, 10% co2 in a 98% humid atmosphere, the wells were stained with 0.1% Ciystal Violet. An approximately ic50 was determined by comparing the growth in wells with drug to the growth in wells control. 1. Raymond J. Bergeron, Paul F. Cavanaugh, Jr., Steven J. Kline. Robert G. Hughes, Jr., Gary T. Elliot and Carl W. Porter. Antineoplastic and antiherpetic activity of spermidine catecholamide iron chelators. Biochem. Bioph. Res. Comm. 1984, 121(3). 848-854. 63 2. Alan C. Schroeder, Robert G. Hughes, Jr. and Alexander Bloch. Effects of Acyclic Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analoges. J. Med. Chem. 1981, 24 1078-1083.

Cytotoxic activity Compound ICso ((JVI) P-388 A-549 HT-29 MEL-28 CV-1 DU-145 OMe |J || T 52" * 0 1 CN NK W A 2 0.009 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.023 OMe HQ^Js^Ma M«>JL>Av>rV ° yVo-f ^ 14 0.15 >0.15 0.15 >0.15 Me MewJL^s.

««VrN^ 0 YH ^ 15 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.44 M«.v>X^^ns>^SV'''^ T ri ' ?J~MB *0' N = ^ 0 V CN o, / «K >_0 -U <^NH \ ^ 16 >1.5 >1.5 >1.5 >1.5 64 j OMe ^—0 V. CN o / r y°-k-0 17 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 «», i ?"e l^o O i. Of o. 1 T »-°-r °V 18 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 ^ ' «ta HO^v,Me Me^ ^-L. js~Mt V-O V. CN NH 19 0.08 0.16 0.01 0.16 . ^ OMe 1 HOvJsv.Me Me V"° -?iv-NHCSNHPh \ 20 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 ^ OMe 0.019 0.019 0.019 0.019 D"-° ^4h 21 jj. OMe ^ HO«^skY.Me o>~o o^o.c»^ch 22 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 ^ OMe \o tt'ibrTJ? *h 0v-° ^^CHjCCb 23 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 ^ OMo \o ^JY"* 0.18 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0v-° \jN 24 «. I °»« ^-° V™ 25 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 PCT/GBO1/02120 65 HjN j OM« 0sw '\ AcO\ S IT Wr <Xt,, 35 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 0 \ OMe aco\ .s T T Me -L 0 Jt G EN 36 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 OMe HOv^s-Me OH T T Wtv/L/Vy^l Y Jp~Ue \—0 J CN °tr° 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 O 28 | OMe O^O^Js^Me OAc T j -YV^ ^-0 V. CN o, l f >-<>4-°V 42 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 OMe HO"VS^*VM# OAC jT J M»v>L N-J-Me <rxj.

"V* 43 0.008 0.016 0.008 0.008 0.016 OMe HOsJ-s^M* OAC T J °^d ^<i^NHCSNHPh °^r 44 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe HO>Jhn.M6 OAC jr T °u° \l" 45 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 OM» HO.-sk^Me ^ iVN>: O 1 CN 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.018 NH PhHNSCHN^Ar i ' 3 WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 66 1 VO 1 2.171 2.171 2.171 2.171 2.171 OMe "YTt s±* 0 ^nhIn A 5 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 \ OMe M6°iTi,'N>tf^^ 0 %h8n A 7 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 1 OMe O^O^J^Me Me,V^Y^Y^^J-Me ° sJM <A 8 >9 >18.1 >18.1 >18.1 >18.1 | OMe OH ] |i '^ayL 0"-° KH^ «A 9 >1.77 >1.77 >1.77 >1.77 >1.77 ^ i 9"® "LIn <A 10 >1.65 >1.65 >1.65 >1.65 >1.65 1 OMe O^Q^Jx^Me °ac r j "'YVv<a* °u° *-JN <A 46 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.016 OMe OAc Xlj -yvV^- 0^° ^NH1" 47 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe OAC T J 0v"° NH^Nj 48 0.0008 0.001 0.0008 0.0008 0.001 67 OMe OAe T J Me o/^JLNv>- 0 . * CN NH o*ScHd> qg 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 OMe 0Ac jT °Vo A~0"so 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 OMe HOsJ^v Me OAC jT T 0Vvv^ V-o ^ CN NH o^YHe NH | 51 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 OMe HO^J^Me OAc T T "YVY^- \~0 \ CN NH 0^YUe NH ^'C'52 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe HO^Js^Me OAC jT Jj MeY"Sr^Y^^Me AV> \-0 i. CN NH °VYCF' Me 0 53 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 ^ ?**' 1 HO^A^Me ? XJ JykJJ> V-O \ CN NH cVv'3 CA Me O O^T 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe HO^JN^MC OH T J xxX^ \~0 \ CN NH "VV1 e- Me O OO 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 PCT/GBO1/02120 68 OWe 1 HO^Js-Me oh T T ><r45t (1 N-J-Mo °^° %hin •V* 56 0.18 0.9 0.18 0.8 0.9 OMe HOs^jL^Me OH T T Me. ^tST V-O v cn nh -fL*nhcsnhph \ 57 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 OMe KO^Js^Mo oac jrj "'XAT'O^"* V-O •[, CN nh ^v^NHCSNPh ° \ 58 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe HOsJv,Me OAc T J oArAYi^' V-O T CN Me © 6D 60 0.001 0.001 0.0005 0.001 0.0005 Otoe HO^sk^-Me OAc T J V-0 \ CN NH O^CjF, 61 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 OMe OAc T jf mcYYVn5« oJv!Li^)> N-O \ CN PH m oV^,„ Me 0 62 0.001 0.001 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 OMe OAC JT J Mev^Sr^>^B N-O * CN NH ""^O 63 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 OMe HO^Jvy-Me OAc TjJ oVYn/ S—O \ CN NH u Mo O 64 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 69 OMe HOvJx^Me OAc Tj 0AjXrNv>^ \-0 \ CN NH 65 0.0001 0.0005 0.0001 0.0001 0.0005 OMe HOvJ^Me OAc XT ?}!&«• >yikr.N>=^ <U \ 6H f^ O OO 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 OMe HO^Jv^Me OAe T J Ms v ^vv'vx^.i^fr. tYT NjMe 0XAr-Kj/ V-0 ^ OH NH flV,r0i« Me o Of 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 OMe MOMOs^jsk^Me OAityl T_ Jj MeT pr AJk-N^^ V-O \ CN °y~vs'~Y-i/ NHBoc Xs/ 142 >1 >1 OMe MOMO^^k^Me O OH X JF \-0 \ CN «srv Vs^rU NHBoc /W^ 144 >1 >1 OMe CAM IT ""yVY^Ui \-0 \ CN OH 146 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 OMe HO^J^Me OANyJ T Jf "lw^ ^-0 \ CN y=\ VOV NHBoc JJ 147 0.0055 0.0055 70 OMe OAByi T J MeYTY^e oW/ o \ CN NHBoc 148 >1 >1 OMe OH TJ "l^vv^6 * CN vMi NHBoc 149 0.01 0.01 OMe 0 OH T J 0'IVS'= V-O ^ CN /rt=v NHBoc 150 0.051 0.051 ^OMe BocHN 0 j J OMe Aco\ i T J ^—o 5N 151 0.012 0.012 OMe HO^Jv^Me OAllyl TJ OVYY ^-o \ CN ,=» V^s-^rA/ NHChz XJ 153 0.11 0.11 71 .

OMe MEMOxAV'Me OAllyl T Jf "1VYY> oVVv O ^ CM «-sv Vs/Y\j NHCte 154 >1 >1 OMe memovJ-sy-Ms O OH T J oJA"/ O ^ CN "V^srv-V-^ NHCte 156 >1 >1 - ^,OMe CbzHN 0 „„ I \ OMe tte/N 0 AcO\ s TT jC N^J~Mb °\-0 £N 157 0.59 0.59 Cb2HV OMe Oa/'""i A00\ ) T J. ^-o 6N 158 0.0013 0.0013 NHAlloC J OMe 0=/""'| HOxJs^Me AcO\ s XT "ixjso^ ^-0 6N 164 0.0001 5 0.0001 5 OMe HO^A^Me OAllyl I. Jf MVrV5>* AJAy-NS^^ 0 \ CN OTBDMS 165 >1 >1 wo 01/87895 PCT/GBO1/02120 72 OMe MEMO^Jn^WB OAJlyl T JJ fn y oVyv^ V-O \ CN OTBDMS 166 >1 >1 OMe MEMQ^^s^Me OH T J SyV ^ CN OTBDMS 167 >1 >1 OMe MEMOvJv-Me J? OH XJ oW/ V-O \ CN OTBDMS 168 >1 >1 OMe MEMO^A^-Me i? OH I J Yl» l?** oYrV ^O \ CN OH 169 >1 >1 OMe MEMO^J^Me ° OH J j 1, y X N-jMc oVy;^ N~° \ CN VsMi NHADOC J^y 170 >1 >1 ^.OMe MIocHU 0. 1 > OMe 0==f "'"l O^J^Me AeO \ s I J ^O CN 171 0.012 0.012 OMe MOMO,J^Me O °H T JJ |Tt fi* O * CN ^ V"®^rv/ NHCte >W/ o 172 >1 >1 PCT/GBO1/02120 73 The active compounds of this invention thus include compounds with the 10-hydroxy group and the 1-labile group.

An important method of this invention includes the reaction: OMe OMe i v>Me 0 R1 CN Another important method of this invention includes the reaction: OMe OMe i i*TrM6 O R CN ^—0 R1 CN Another important method of this invention includes the reaction includes the reaction where a group R1 is aminomethylene is converted to a hydroxymethylene group.

Another important method of this invention includes the reaction wherein a compound with a group R1 which is hydroxymethylene is reacted with a reagent of the formula (XIX) Prot' .3-'"' "Fu »01/87895 74 "here Fu indicates a protected functional group, Prot3 is a protecting group, and the dotted line shows an optional double bond.

Another important method of this invention includes the reaction for preparing a 21-cyano compound of formula (XVI) which comprises reacting a compound of formula (XV): where R1, R5, R8 R14a, R14b, R15 and R18 are as defined and R21 is a hydroxy group, with a source of cyanide ion, to give the desired 21-cyano compound.

In addition, processes using other nucleophile-containing compounds, to produce similar compounds of formula (XVI) wherein the 21-position is protected by another nucleophilic group, a 21-Nuc group, are also envisaged. For example, a 21-Nuc compound of formula (XVI) with an alkylamino substituent at the 21-position can be produced by reacting the compound of formula (XV) wherein R21 is a hydroxy group with a suitable alkylamine. A 21-Nuc compound of formula (XVI) with an alkylthio substituent at the 21-position can also be produced by reacting the compound of formula (XV) wherein R21 is a hydroxy group with a suitable alkanethiol. Alternatively, a 21-Nuc compound of formula (XVI) with an □ -carbonylalkyl substituent at the 21-position can be produced by reacting the compound of formula (XV) wherein R21 is a hydroxy group with a suitable carbonyl compound, typically in the presence of a base. Other synthetic routes are available for other 21-Nuc compounds.

PCT/GBO1/02120 75 Another important reaction of this invention involves treatment of a 21-cyano product of this invention to form a 21-hydroxy compound. Such compounds have interesting in vivo properties.

Examples The present invention is illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1 OMe HO. -k ^Me OMe MeO' (B0C)2° EtOH, 7h, 23 °C cAfNHYV- Me O ' 14 To a solution of 2 (21.53 g, 39.17 mmol) in ethanol (200 ml), tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride (7.7 g, 35.25 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 7 h at 23 °C. Then, the reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, hexane:ethyl acetate 6:4) to give 14 (20.6 g, 81 %) as a yellow solid.

Rf: 0.52 (ethyl acetate:CHCl3 5:2). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.49 (s, IH), 6. 32 (bs, IH), 5.26 (bs, IH), 4.60 (bs, IH), 4.14 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.05 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.81 (d, J= 4.8 Hz, IH), 3.7 (s, 3H), 3.34 (br d, 7.2 Hz, IH), 3.18-3.00 (m, 5H), 2.44 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.82 (s, 3H), 1.80-1.65 (m, IH), 1.48 (s, 9H), 0.86 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, 3H) PCT/GBO1/02120 76 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 1 85.5, 180.8, 172.7, 155.9, 154.5, 147.3, 143.3, 141.5, 135.3, 130.4,"129.2, 127.5, 120.2, 117.4, 116.9, 80.2, 60.7, 60.3, 58.5, 55.9, 55.8, 54.9, 54.4, 50.0, 41.6, 40.3, 28.0, 25.3, 24.0, 18.1, 15.6, 8.5.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C34H43N5O8: 649.7. Found (M+H)+: 650.3. Example 2 OMe HO^ ^ik.^Me MOMBr, DIPEA DMAP (cat.), CH3CN 24h, 23 °C Me O 14 ^ OMe >Me o*VnhYV" Me O ' To a stirred solution of 14 (20.6 g, 31.75 mmol) in CH3CN (159 ml), diisopropylethylamine (82.96 ml, 476.2 mmol), methoxymethylene bromide (25.9 ml, 317.5 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (155 mg, 1.27 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 24h. The reaction was quenched at 0 °C with aqueous 0. IN HC1 (750 ml) (pH = 5), and extracted with CH2CI2 (2 x 400 ml). The organic phase was dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient hexane:ethyl acetate 4:1 to hexane:ethyl acetate 3:2) to give 15 (17.6 g, 83 %) as a yellow solid.

Rf: 0.38 (hexane:ethyl acetate 3:7).

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 8 6.73 (s, IH), 5.35 (bs, IH), 5.13 (s, 2H), 4.50 (bs, IH), 4.25 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.03 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.84 (bs, IH), 3.82-3.65 (m, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.39- 77 3.37 (m, IH), 3.20-3.00 (m, 5H), 2.46 (d, J= 18 Hz, 1H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.85 (s, 3H), 1.73-1.63 (m, IH), 1.29 (s, 9H), 0.93 (d, J= 5.1 Hz, 3H) "C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 185.4, 180.9, 172.4, 155.9, 154.5, 149.0, 148.4, 141.6, 135.1, 131.0, 129.9, 127.6, 124.4, 123.7, 117.3,99.1, 79.3, 60.7, 59.7, 58.4, 57.5, 56.2, 55.9, 55.0, 54.2, 50.0, 41.5, 39.9, 28.0, 25.2, 24.0, 18.1, 15.6, 8.5.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C36H47N5O9: 693.8. Found (M+H)+: 694.3. Example 3 ^ OMe O^ Jv. .Me ^ OMe O^ ,Me .--rMe O \ CN NH aq 1M NaOH/MeOH 0 °C, 2h. 0 \ CN NH o^Y-f Me O ' Me O ' 16 To a flask containing 15 (8 g, 1.5 ml) in methanol (1.6 1) an aqueous solution of 1M sodium hydroxide (3.2 1) was added at 0 °C. The reaction was stirred for 2h at this temperature and then, quenched with 6M HC1 to pH = 5. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x11) and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (S1O2, gradient CHCI3 to CHCI3:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 16 (5.3 mg, 68 %).

Rf: 0.48 (CH3CN:H20 7:3, RP-C18) iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): S 6.73 (s, IH), 5.43 (bs, IH), 5.16 (s, 2H), 4.54 (bs, IH), 4.26 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 4.04 (d, J= 2.7 Hz IH), 3.84 (bs, 78 IH), 3.80-3.64 (m, IH), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.41-3.39 (m, 1H), 3.22-3.06 (m, 5H), 2.49 (d, J= 18.6 Hz IH), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.30-2.25 (in, IH), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.45-1.33 (m, IH), 1.19 (s, 9H), 1.00 (br d, J= 6.6 Hz 3H) 13C NMR (75 MHz,DCDCl3): 5 184.9, 180.9, 172.6, 154.7, 151.3, 149.1, 148.6, 144.7, 132.9, 131.3, 129.8, 124.5, 123.7, 117.3, 116.8, 99.1, 79.4, 59.8, 58.6, 57.7, 56.2, 55.6, 54.9, 54.5, 50.1, 41.6, 40.1, 28.0, 25.3,24.4,18.1,15.7,8.0.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C35H45N5O9: 679.7. Found (M+H)+: 680.3.

Example 4 OMe MOMO^ Jx^Me J^,e 1) H2/Pd-C 10%/DMF, 23°C J* 2) CICH2Br/Cs2C03/100°C ^ OMe O^ -k ^Me NHBoc Me O ' 16 17 To a degassed solution of compound 16 (1.8 g, 2.64 mmol) in DMF (221 ml) 10 % Pd/C (360 mg) was added and stirred under H2 (atmospheric pressure) for 45 min. The reaction was filtered through celite under argon, to a flask containing anhydrous CS2CO3 (2.58 g, 7.92 mmol). Then, bromochloromethane (3.40 ml 52.8 mmol), was added and the tube was sealed and stirred at 100 °C for 2h. The reaction was cooled, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with CH2CI2. The organic layer was concentrated and dried (sodium sulphate) to afford 17 as a brown oil that was used in the next step with no further purification.

Rf: 0.36 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5, SiC>2). wo 01/87895 PCT/GBO1/02120 79 lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 6 6.68 (s, IH), 6.05 (bs, IH), 5.90 (s, IH), 5.79 (s, IH), 5.40 (bs, IH), 5.31-5.24 (m, 2H), 4.67 (d, 8.1 Hz, IH), 4.19 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.07 (bs, IH), 4.01 (bs, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.64-2.96 (m, 5H), 2.65 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.01-1.95 (m, IH), 1.28 (s, 9H), 0.87 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 3H) i3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCb): 8 172.1, 162.6, 154.9, 149.1, 145.7, 135.9, 130.8, 130.7, 125.1, 123.1, 117.8, 100.8, 99.8, 76.6, 59.8, 59.2, 57.7, 57.0, 56.7, 55.8, 55.2, 49.5, 41.6, 40.1, 36.5, 31.9, 31.6, 29.7, 28.2, 26.3, 25.0, 22.6, 18.2, 15.8, 14.1, 8.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C36H47N5O9: 693.34. Found (M+H)+: 694.3. Example 5 O 1 ^ ?Me % °v, OMe °v*SrMe I Me AllylBr.Cs2C03 °Cf\ 5N DMF,1h, 23 °C NH V"° ^nhCN 0VyY O^y^Y0^ Me 0 ' Me O I 17 18 To a flask containing a solution of 17 (1.83 g, 2.65 mmol) in DMF (13 ml), CS2CO3 (2.6 g, 7.97 mmol), and allyl bromide (1.15 ml, 13.28 mmol) were added at 0° C. The resulting mixture was stirred at 23 °C for lh. The reaction was filtered through a pad of celite and washed with CH2CI2. The organic layer was dried and concentrated (sodium sulphate). The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, CHCl3:ethyl acetate 1:4) to afford 18 (1.08 mg, 56 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.36 (CHCl3:ethyl acetate 1:3).

PCT/GBO1/02120 80 *H NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 6 6.70 (s, 1H), 6.27-6.02 (m, 1H), 5.94 (s, IH), 5.83 (s, IH), 5.37 (dd, Ji= 1.01 Hz, J2= 16.8 Hz, IH), 5.40 (bs, IH), 5.25 (dd, Ji= 1.0 Hz, J2= 10.5 Hz, IH), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.91 (bs, 1H), 4.25-4.22 (m, IH), 4.21 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.14-4.10 (m, IH), 4.08 (d, J=2.4 Hz, IH), 4.00 (bs, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.56-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.26-3.20 (m, 2H), 3.05-2.96 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2=18 Hz, IH), 2.63 (d, J=18 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.91-1.80 (m, IH), 1.24 (s, 9H), 0.94 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H) i3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCb): 6 172.0, 154.8, 148.8, 148.6, 148.4, 144.4, 138.8, 133.7, 130.9, 130.3, 125.1, 124.0, 120.9, 117.8, 117.4, 112.8, 112.6, 101.1, 99.2, 73.9, 59.7, 59.3, 57.7, 56.9, 56.8, 56.2, 55.2, 40.1, 34.6, 31.5, 28.1, 26.4, 25.1, 22.6, 18.5, 15.7, 14.0, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C39H51N5O9: 733.4. Found (M+H)+: 734.4.

Example 6 ^ OMe o^ »VyY Me 0 ' 18 4.3M HCI/dioxane 1.2h, 23°C OMe HO^ j^^Me 19 To a solution of 18 (0.1 g, 0.137 mmol) in dioxane (2 ml), 4.2M HCI/dioxane (1.46 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 1.2h at 23 °C. The reaction was quenched at 0 °C with sat. Aqueous sodium bicarbonate (60 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2x70 ml). The organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated in vacuo to afford 19 (267 mg, 95 %) as a white solid that was used in subsequent reactions with no further purification. 81 Rf: 0.17 (ethyl acetate:methanol 10:1, SiCte) iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCla): 5 6.49 (s, IH), 6.12-6.00 (m, IH), 5.94 (s, IH), 5.86 (s, IH), 5.34 (dd, J= 1.0 Hz, J= 17.4 Hz, IH), 5.25 (dd, J= 1.0 Hz, J= 10.2 Hz, IH), 4.18-3.76 (m, 5H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.71-3.59 (m, IH), 3.36-3.20 (m, 4H), 3.01-2.90 (m, IH), 2.60 (d, J= 18.0 Hz, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.97-1.86 (m, IH), 0.93 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 3H) 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): 8 175.5, 148.4, 146.7, 144.4, 142.4, 138.9, 133.7, 131.3, 128.3, 120.8, 117.9, 117.4, 113.8, 112.4, 101.1, 74.2, 60.5, 59.1, 56.5, 56.1, 56.3, 56.0, 55.0, 50.5, 41.6, 39.5, 29.5, 26.4, 24.9,21.1,15.5,9.33.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32H39N5O6: 589. Found (M+H)+: 590.

Example 7 OMe l-KX . 5k. .Me phenylisothiocyanate 1, 23°C OMe HO^ .Me -fMe NHCSNHPh Me 19 To a solution of 19 (250 mg, 0.42 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.5 mmol), phenyl isothiocyanate (0.3 ml, 2.51 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 23° C for lh. The reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient Hexane to 5:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to afford 20 (270 mg, 87 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.56 (CHClatethyl acetate 1:4). 82 *H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 8 8.00 (bs, IH), 7.45-6.97 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, IH), 6.08-6.00 (m, IH), 5.92 (s, IH), 5.89 (s, IH), 5.82 (s, 1H), 5.40 (dd, J= 1.5 Hz, J= 17.1 Hz, IH), 3.38 (bs, IH), 5.23 (dd, J= 1.5 Hz, J= 10.5 Hz, IH), 4.42-4.36 (m, IH), 4.19-4.03 (m, 5H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.68-3.17 (m, 4H), 2.90 (dd, J= 7.8 Hz, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.57 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.90 (dd, J= 12.3 Hz, J= 16.5 Hz, IH), 0.81 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): 8 178.4, 171.6, 148.6, 146.8, 144.3, 142.7, 138.7, 136.2, 133.6, 130.7, 129.8, 126.6, 124.2, 124.1, 120.9, 120.5, 117.7, 117.4, 116.7, 112.6, 112.5, 101.0, 74.0, 60.6, 59.0, 57.0, 56.2, 56.1, 55.0, 53.3, 41.4, 39.7, 26.3, 24.8, 18.3, 15.5, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for Ca^NeOeS: 724.8 Found (M+H)+: 725.3.

Example 8 Q'A^NHCSNHPh Me 4.2N HCI in Dioxano 30 min., 23 °C 21 To a solution of 20 (270 mg, 0.37 mmol) in dioxane (1 ml), 4.2N HCI/dioxane (3.5 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for 30 min. Then, ethyl acetate (20 ml) and H2O (20 ml) were added and the organic layer was decanted. The aqueous phase was basified with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (60 ml) (pH = 8) at 0 °C and then, extracted with CH2CI2 (2 x 50 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (sodium sulphate), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, ethyl PCT/GBO1/02120 83 acetate:methanol 5:1) to afford compound 21 (158 mg, 82%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.3 (ethyl acetate .-methanol 1:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 6 6.45 (s, IH), 6.12-6.03 (m, IH), 5.91 (s, IH), 5.85 (s, IH), 5.38 (dd, J;= 1.2 Hz, J2= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.24 (dd, Jj= I.2 Hz, J2= 10.5 Hz, IH), 4.23-4.09 (m, 4H), 3.98 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 3.90 (bs, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.36-3.02 (m, 5H), 2.72-2.71 (m, 2H), 2.48 (d, 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.85 (dd, Ji= II.7 Hz, J2= 15.6 Hz, IH)). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 148.4, 146.7, 144.4, 142.8, 138.8, 133.8, 130.5, 128.8, 121.5, 120.8, 118.0, 117.5, 116.9, 113.6, 112.2, 101.1, 74.3, 60.7, 59.9, 58.8, 56.6, 56.5, 55.3, 44.2, 41.8, 29.7, 26.5, 25.7, 15.7, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C29H34N4O5: 518.3. Found (M+H)+: 519.2. Example 9 To a solution of 21 (0.64 g, 1.22 mmol) in CH2CI2 (6.13 ml), pyridine (0.104 ml, 1.28 mmol) and 2,2,2-trichloroethyl chloroformate (0.177 ml, 1.28 mmol) were added at -10 °C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for lh and then, the reaction was quenched by addition of 0.1 N HCI (10 ml) and extracted with CH2CI2 (2 x 10 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography nh2 21 NHTroc 22 PCT/GBO1/02120 84 (Si02,* (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:2) to afford 22 (0.84 g, 98%) as a white foam solid.

Rf: 0.57 (ethyl acetate:methanol 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 5 6.50 (s, IH), 6.10-6.00 (m, IH), 6.94 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.87 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.73 (bs, IH), 5.37 (dq, Jj = 1.5 Hz, J2= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.26 (dq, Ji= 1.8 Hz, J2= 10.2 Hz, IH), 4.60 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.22-4.10 (m, 4H), 4.19 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.02 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.18 (m, 5H), 3.04 (dd, Ji= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18 Hz, IH), 2.63 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.85 (dd, Ji= 12.3 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCla) 5 154.3, 148.5, 146.7, 144.5, 142.8, 139.0, 133.8, 130.7, 128.7, 121.3, 120.8, 117.8, 117.7, 116.8, 112.7, 101.2, 77.2, 74.3, 60.7, 59.9, 57.0, 56.4, 55.3, 43.3, 41.7, 31.6, 26.4, 25.3, 22.6,15.9,14.1,9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32H35CI3N4O7: 694.17. Pound (M+H)+: 695.2. Example 10 To a solution of 22 (0.32 g, 0.46 mmol) in CH3CN (2.33 ml), diisopropylethylamine (1.62 ml, 9.34 mmol), bromomethyl methyl ether (0.57 ml, 7.0 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (6 mg, 0.046 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The mixture was heated at 30 °C for lOh. Then, the reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (30 ml) and poured in an aqueous solution of HCI at pH = 5 (10 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated under reduced NHTroc 22 NHTroc 23 85 pressure to give a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 23 (0.304 g, 88%) as a white foam solid.

Rf: 0.62 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:3). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 8 6.73 (s, IH), 6.10 (m, IH), 5.94 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.88 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.39 (dq, J2= 1.5 Hz, J2= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.26 (dq, Ji= 1.8 Hz, J2= 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.61 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.55 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 4.25 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.22-4.11 (m, 4H), 4.03 (m, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.38-3.21 (m, 5H), 3.05 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18 Hz, IH), 2.65 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.79 (dd, 12.3 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCla) 8 154.3, 148.6, 148.4, 144.5, 139.0, 133.6, 130.6, 130.1, 125.07, 124.7, 124.0, 121.1, 117.7, 112.6, 101.2, 99.2, 77.2, 74.4, 74.1, 59.8, 59.8, 57.7, 57.0, 56.8, 56.68, 55.3, 43.2, 41.5, 26.4,25.2,15.9,9.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C34H39CI3N4O8: 738.20. Found (M+H)+: 739.0. Example 11 X OMe i MOMO-^^k^.Me O CN NHTroc 23 AcOH aq, Zn 7h, 23°C X OMe MOMO^^L^.Me O To a suspension of 23 (0.304 g, 0.41 mmol) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (4 ml), powder zinc (0.2 g, 6.17 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for 7 hour at 23 °C. The mixture was filtered through a pad of celite which was washed with CH2CI2. The organic layer was washed with an aqueous sat. solution of sodium bicarbonate PCT/GBO1/02120 86 (pH = 9) (15 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. The solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure to give 24 (0.191 g, 83%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.3 (ethyl acetate:methanol 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.68 (s, 1H), 6.09 (m, 1H), 5.90 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.83 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.39 (dq, J;= 1.5 Hz, J5= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.25 (dq, Jj= 1.5 Hz, 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.22-4.09 (m, 3H), 3.98 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.89 (m, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.17 (m, 3H), 3.07 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18 Hz, IH), 2.71 (m, 2H), 2.48 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Jj= 12.3 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH) 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 6 148.5, 148.2, 144.3, 138.7, 133.7, 130.7, 129.9, 125.0, 123.9, 121.3, 117.9, 117.5, 113.6, 112.0, 101.0, 99.2, 74.0, 59.8, 59.7, 58.8, 57.6, 57.0, 56.2, 55.2, 44.2, 41.5, 31.5, 26.4, 25.6,22.5,16.7,14.0,9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C31H38N4O6: 562.66. Found (M+H)+: 563.1. Example 12 To a solution of 24 (20 mg, 0.035 mmol), in H2O (0.7 mmol) and THF (0.7 mmol), NaN02 (12 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 90% aqueous AcOH (0.06 ml) were added at 0 °C and the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 3h. After dilution with CH2CI2 (5 ml), the organic layer was washed with water (1 ml), dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo.

PCT/GBO1/02120 87 The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 25 (9.8 mg, 50%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.34 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:1).

JH NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 8 6.71 (s, IH), 6.11 (m, lH), 5.92u(d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.87 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.42 (dq, Jj= 1.5 Hz, J2= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.28 (dq, Jj= 1.5 Hz, J2= 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.26-4.09 (m, 3H), 4.05 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.97 (t, J= 3.0 Hz, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.67-3.32 (m, 4H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.24 (dd, 2.7 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH), 3.12 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.51 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.83 (dd, Jj= 12.3 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH) 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCb) 8 148.7, 148.4, 138.9, 133.7, 131.1, 129.4, 125.1, 123.9, 120.7, 117.6, 117.5, 113.2, 112.3, 101.1, 99.2, 74.0, 63.2, 59.8, 59.7, 57.9, 57.7, 57.0, 56.5, 55.2, 41.6, 29.6, 26.1, 25.6, 22.6, 15.7, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C31H37N3O7: 563.64. Found (M+H)+: 564.1. Example 13 The starting material (2.0 g, 5.90 mmol) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (354 mg, 8.86 mmol) in THF (40 ml) at 23 °C, following the suspension was treated with allyl chloroformate (1.135 ml, 8.25 mmol) at 23 °C and then refluxed for 3 hours. The suspension was cooled, filtered off, the solid washed with ethyl acetate (100 ml), and the filtrate was concentrated. The oil crude was ground with hexane (100 ml) and kept at 4°C overnight. After, the solvent was decanted and the light yellow slurry was treated with CH2CI2 (20 ml), 88 and precipitated with hexane (100 ml). After 10 minutes, the solvent was decanted again. The operation was repeated until appearing a white solid. The white solid was filtered off and dried to afford compound 29 (1.80 g, 65%) as a white solid.

XH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 7.74 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (t, J= 6.3 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 4.73 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.59 (m, IH), 4.11 (t, J=6.0 Hz, IH), 3.17 (dd, J= 6.0 Hz, J= 2.7 Hz, 2H), 3.20 (dd, J= 5.4 Hz, J= 2.1 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 173.6, 152.7, 144.0, 139.7, 137.8, 126.0, 125.6, 123.4, 118.3, 73.4, 52.4, 45.5, 35.8, 33.7.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd.. for C20H18CI3NO4S: 474.8. Found (M+Na)+: 497.8 Example 14 A mixture of compound 25 (585 mg, 1.03 mmol) and compound 29 (1.47 mg, 3.11 mmol) were azeotroped with anhydrous toluene (3 x 10 ml). To a solution of 25 and 29 in anhydrous CH2CI2 (40 ml) was added DMAP (633 mg, 5.18 mmol) and EDC-HCl (994 mg, 5.18 mmol) at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 3 hours. The mixture was partitioned with saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (50 ml) and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was washed with CH2CI2 (50 ml). The combined organic layers were Me M S9 dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane 1:3) to obtain 30 (1.00 g, 95%) as a pale cream yellow solid. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 6 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 7.38 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 6.65 (s, IH), 6.03 (m, IH), 5.92 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.79 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.39 (m, IH), 5.29 (dq, J= 10.3 Hz, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.73 (d, J- 11.9 Hz, IH), 4.66 (d, J= 11.9 Hz, IH), 4.53 (m, IH), 4.36-3.96 (m, 9H), 3.89 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.33 (m, IH), 3.20 (m, 2H), 2.94 (m, 3H), 2.59 (m, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.83 (dd, J= 16.0 Hz, J= 11.9 Hz, IH). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 169.7, 154.0, 148.8, 148.4, 145.7, 144.5, 140.9, 139.0, 133.7, 130.9, 130.6, 127.6, 127.0, 124.8, 124.6, 124.1, 120.8, 119.9, 118.2, 117.7, 117.3, 112.7, 112.1, 101.3, 99.2, 74.7, 73.9, 64.4, 59.8, 57.7, 57.0, 56.8, 55.4, 53.3, 46.7, 41.4, 36.5, 34.7, 31.5, 26.4, 24.9, 22.6, 15.7, 14.0, 9.1.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd.. for C51H53CI3N4O10S: 1020.4. Found (M+H)+: 1021.2 Example 15 Me Me J I O.

O.

Me 31 PCT/GBO1/02120 90 To a solution of 30 (845 mg, 0.82 mmol), acetic acid (500 mg, 8.28 mmol) and (PPh3)2PdCl2 (29 mg, 0.04 mmol) in anhydrous CH2CI2 20 ml at 23 °C was added, dropwise, BuaSnH (650 mg, 2.23 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 15 min., bubbling was. The crude was quenched with water (50ml) and extracted with CH2C12 (3 x 50 ml). The organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane in gradient from 1:5 to 1:3) to obtain compound 31 (730 mg, 90%) as a pale cream yellow solid.

*H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 6 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.56 (m, 2H), 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 6.65 (s, IH), 5.89 (s, IH), 5.77 (s, IH), 5.74 (s, IH), 5.36 (d, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.32 (d, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.20 (d, J= 9.0, IH), 4.75 (d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 4.73 (m, IH), 4.48 (d, J= 11.9 Hz, IH), 4.08 (m, 4H), 3.89 (m, IH), 3.86, (t, J= 6.2 Hz, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.38 (m, IH), 3.25 (m, IH), 3.02-2.89 (m, 4H), 2.67 (s, 1H), 2.61 (s, IH ), 2.51 (dd, J= 14.3 Hz, J= 4.5 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 1,83 (m, IH). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCls): 6 168.2, 152.5, 148.1, 146.2, 144.4, 144.3, 143.3, 139.6, 134.6, 129.7, 129.6, 126.2, 125.6, 123.4, 123.3, 121.6, 118.5, 116.3, 110.7, 110.2, 105.1, 99.4, 98.5, 75.2, 73.3, 61.7, 58.4, 57.9, 56.3, 56.1, 55.1, 54.7, 53.9, 51.9, 45.2, 40.1, 35.6, 33.3, 24.8, 23.3., 14.5, 7.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd.. for C48H49CI3N4O10S: 980.3. Found (M+H)+: 981.2 Example 16 PCT/GBO1/02120 91 ^ OMe Me O. i Me I 0.

OMe Me C 31 32 To a solution of 31 (310 mg, 0.32 mmol), in anhydrous CH2CI2 (15 ml) at -10 °C was added a solution of benzeneseleninic anhydride 70 % (165 mg, 0.32 mmol), in anhydrous CH2CI2 (7 ml), via cannula, keeping the temperature at -10 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at -10 °C for 5 min. A saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (30 ml) was added at this temperature. The aqueous layer was washed with more CH2CI2 (40 ml). The organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane in gradient from 1:5 to 1:1) to obtain 32 (287 mg, 91%, HPLC: 91.3%) as a pale cream yellow solid and as a mixture of two isomers (65:35) which were used in the next step. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 6 (Mixture of isomers) 7.76 (m, 4H), 7.65 (m, 4H), 7.39 (m, 4H), 7.29 (m, 4H), 6.62 (s, IH), 6.55 (s, IH), 5.79-5.63 (m, 6H), 5.09 (s, IH), 5.02 (d, 6.0 Hz, IH), 4.99 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 4.80-4.63 (m, 6H), 4.60 (m, IH), 4.50 (m, IH), 4.38 (d, J= 12.8 Hz, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 4.27 (dd, J= 12.8 Hz, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 4.16-3.90 (m, 10H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 3.33-2.83 (m, 14H), 2.45-2.18 (m, 2H), 2.21 (s, 6H), 2.17 (s, 6H ), 1.77 (s, 6H), 1.67 (m, 2H). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 (Mixture of isomers) 168.6, 168.4, 158.6, 154.8, 152.8, 152.5, 147.3, 147.2, 146.8, 144.1, 144.0, 140.8, 139.7, 137.1, 129.8, 129.3, 128.4, 128.7, 126.5, 125.5, 123.7, 123.6, 123.5, 92 123.4, 122.2, 121.3, 118.3, 115.8, 115.5, 110.2, 106.9, 103.5, 103.2, 100.1, 99.6, 97.9, 97.7, 93.8, 73.4, 70.9, 69.2, 64.9, 62.5, 59.3, 58.9, 58.4, 56.7, 56.3, 56.2, 55.4, 55.2, 55.1, 54.9, 54.7, 54.3, 54.1, 53.8, 52.8, 45.5, 40.5, 40.0, 39.8, 35.8, 35.5, 33.9, 33.7, 30.1, 28.8, 24.2, 24.1, 21.2, 14.5, 14.4, 12.7, 6.0, 5.7.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C48H49CI3N4O11S: 996.3. Found (M+H)+: 997.2 Example 17 Me Me 32 33 The reaction flask was flamed twice, purged vacuum/Argon several times and kept under Argon atmosphere for the reaction. To a solution of DMSO (39.1 ml, 0.55 mmol, 5 equivalents.) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (4.5 ml) was dropwise added triflic anhydride (37.3 ml, 0.22 mmol, 2 equivalents.) at -78 °C . The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 20 minutes, then a solution of 32 (110 mg, 0.11 mmol, HPLC: 91.3%) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (1 ml, for the. main addition and 0.5 ml for wash) at -78 °C was added, via cannula. During the addition the temperature was kept at -78 °C in both flasks and the colour changed from yellow to brown. The reaction mixture was stirred at -40 °C for 35 minutes. During this period of time the solution was turned from yellow to dark green. After this time, iPr2NEt (153 ml, 0.88 mmol, 8 equivalents.) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 93 0 °C for 45 minutes, the colour of the solution turned to brown during this time. Then t-butanol (41.6 ml, 0.44 mmol, 4 equivalents.) and 2-tButyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (132.8 ml, 0.77 mmol, 7 equivalents.) were dropwise added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 40 minutes. After this time, acetic anhydride (104.3 ml, 1.10 mmol, 10 equivalents.) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 23 °C for 1 hour more. Then the reaction mixture was diluted with CH2CI2 (20ml) and washed with aqueous saturated solution of NH4CI (50ml), sodium bicarbonate (50ml), and sodium chloride (50ml). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane gradient from 1:3 to 1:2) to afford compound 33 (54 mg, 58%) as a pale yellow solid. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 8 6.85 (s, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 5.99 (s, IH), 5.20 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, IH), 5.14 (d, J= 5.3 Hz, IH), 5.03 (m, IH), 4.82 (d, J= 12.2, IH), 4.63 (d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 4.52 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.17 (m, 4H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 8 168.5, 167.2, 152.7, 148.1, 147.1, 144.5, 139.6, 139.1, 130.5, 129.0, 123.7, 123.5, 123.3, 118.8, 116.5, 112.1, 100.6, 97.8, 73.3, 60.5, 59.4, 59.2, 58.3, 57.6, 57.4, 56.1, 53.3, 53.1, 40.6, 40.0, 31.0, 22.2, 18.9, 14.4, 8.1.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd.. for C36H39CI3N4O11S: 842.1. Found (M+H)+: 843.1 Example 18 PCT/GBO1/02120 33 34 To a solution of 33 (12 mg, 0.014 mmol)in diy dichloromethane (1.2 ml) and HPLC grade acetonitrile (1.2 ml) was added at 23 °C sodium iodide (21 mg, 0.14 mmol) and freshly distilled (over calcium hydride at atmospheric pressure) trimethylsilyl chloride (15.4 mg, 0.14 mmol). The reaction mixture turned to orange colour. After 15 min the solution was diluted with dichloromethane (10 ml) and was washed with a freshly aqueous saturated solution of Na2S204 (3 x 10 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. It was obtained compound 34 (13 mg, quantitative) as pale yellow solid which was used without further purification. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 5 6.85 (s, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 5.99 (s, IH), 5.27 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, IH), 5.14 (d, J= 5.3 Hz, IH), 5.03 (d, J= 11.9 Hz, 1H), 4.82 (d, J= 12.2, IH), 4.63 (d, J= 13.0 Hz, IH), 4.52 (m, IH), 4.34 (m, IH), 4.27 (bs, IH), 4.18 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.44 (m, IH), 3.42 (m, IH), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C34H35N4O10S: 798.1. Found (M+H)+: 799.1 Example 19 95 Me C v_0 TrocHN AcOH aq.

Zn Me C \_0 Me CN CN 34 To a solution of 34 (13 mg, 0.016 mmol) in a mixture of acetic acid/H20 (90:10, 1 ml) was added powder Zinc (5.3 mg, 0.081 mmol) at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was heated at 70 °C for 6 h. After this time, was cooled to 23 °C, diluted with CH2CI2 (20 ml) and washed with aqueous saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (15 ml) and aqueous solution of EtiN (15 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography with Silica-Nth (eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane gradient from 0:100 to 50:50) to afford compound 35 (6.8 mg, 77% for two steps) as a pale yellow solid. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCfe): 5 6.51 (s, IH), 6.03 (dd, J= 1.3 Hz, J= 26.5 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (bs, IH), 5.02 (d, J= 11.6 Hz, IH), 4.52 (m, IH), 4.25 (m, 2H), 4.18 (d, J= 2.5 Hz, IH), 4.12 (dd, J= 1.9 Hz, J= 11.5 Hz, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.26 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 2. 88 (m, 2H), 2.30-2.10 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 174.1, 168.4, 147.8, 145.4, 142.9, 140.8, 140.1, 131.7, 130.2, 129.1, 128.3, 120.4, 118.3, 117.9, 113.8, 111.7, 101.7, 61.2, 59.8, 59.2, 58.9, 54.4, 53.8, 54.4, 41.3, 41.5, 34.1, 23.6, 20.3, 15.5, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C31H34N4O8S: 622.7. Found (M+H)+: 623.2. Example 20 96 CHO 6 N O Me i Me Me Me 0' 2) DBU, DMF, CH2CI2 3) (C02H)2 O' V_0 CN \-0 CN 36 A solution of AT-methyl pyridine-4-carboxaldehyde iodide (378 mg, 1.5 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (5.8 mL) was treated with anhydrous toluene (2x10 mL) to eliminate the amount of water by azeotropic removal of the toluene. A solution of 35 (134 mg, 0.21 mmol), previously treated with anhydrous toluene (2x10 mL), in anhydrous CH2CI2 (distilled over CaH2,7.2 mL) was added, via cannula, at 23 °C to this orange solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 4 hours. After this time DBU (32.2 DL, 0.21mmol) was dropwise added at 23 °C and it was stirred for 15 minutes at 23 °C. A freshly aqueous saturated solution of oxalic acid (5.8 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and was stirred for 30 minutes at 23 °C. Then the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and NaHCC>3 was portionwise added followed by addittion of aqueous saturated solution of NaHC03- The mixture was extracted with Et20. K2CO3 was added to the aqueous layer and it was extrated with Et20. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSC>4 and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (AcOEt/hexane from 1/3 to 1/1) to afford compound 36 (77 mg, 57%) as pale yellow solid. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13):5 6.48 (s, IH), 6.11 (d, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 6.02 (d, J= 1.3 Hz, IH), 5.70 (bs, IH), 5.09 (d, J= 11.3 Hz, IH), 4.66 (bs, IH), 4.39 (m, IH), 4.27 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, IH), 4.21 (d, J= 10.5 Hz, IH), 4.16 (d, J= 2.6 Hz, IH), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.54 (d, J= 5.1 Hz, IH), 3.42 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 2.88-2.54 (m, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H). isc-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 186.7, 168.5, 160.5, 147.1, 146.4, PCT/GBO1/02120 97 142.9, 141.6, 140.7, 130.4, 129.8, 121.7 (2C), 120.0, 117.8, 117.1, 113.5, 102.2, 61.7, 61.4, 60.3, 59.8, 58.9, 54.6, 41.6, 36.9, 29.7, 24.1, 20.3, 15.8, 14.1, 9.6.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd...for C31H31N3O9S: 621.7. Pound (M+H)+: 622.2 Example 21 36 Et-770 To a solution of 36 (49mg, 0.08 mmol) and 2-[3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl]ethylamine (46,2 mg, 0.27 mmol) in ethanol(2.5 ml) was added silica gel (105 mg) at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 14 h. It was diluted with hexane and poured into a column of chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane from 1/3 to 1/1) to afford Et-770 (55 mg, 90%) as a pale yellow solid. iH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 8 6.60 (s, IH), 6.47 (s, IH), 6.45 (s, IH), 6.05 (s, IH), 5.98 (s, IH), 5.02 (d, J=11.4 Hz, IH), 4.57 (bs, IH), 4.32 (bs, IH), 4.28 (d, 5.3 Hz, IH), 4.18 (d, J= 2.5 Hz, IH), 4.12 (dd, J= 2.1 Hz, J= 11.5 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 3.50 (d, J= 5.0 Hz, IH), 3.42 (m, IH), 3.10 (ddd, Ji= 4.0 Hz, J2= 10.0 Hz, J5= 11.0 Hz, IH), 2.94 (m, 2H), 2.79 (m, IH), 2.61 (m, IH), 2.47 (m, IH), 2.35 (m, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.09 (m, IH), 2.04 (s, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd.. for C40H42N4O10S: 770.7. Found (M+H)+: 771.2 Example 22 PCT/GBO1/02120 98 To a solution of 21 (22 mg, 0.042 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.8 ml) was added phthalic anhydride (6.44 mg, 0.042 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2h at 23 °C. Then, carbonyldiimidazole (lmg, 0.006 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 7h. Then, carbonyldiimidazole (5.86mg, 0.035 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for an additional 17h. The solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (15 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (15 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 27 (26.4 mg, 96%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.58 (ethyl acetate).

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 5 7.73-7.64 (m, 4H), 6.40 (s, IH), 6.12-6.01 (m, IH), 5.63 (s, IH), 5.58 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.37 (dd, J2= 1.8 Hz, Js= 17.4 Hz), 5.23 (dd, Ji= 1.8 Hz, J?= 10.5 Hz, IH), 5.12 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.22-4.15 (m, 3H), 4.08 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.55 (m 2H), 3.35 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.27-3.16 (m, 2H), 3.05 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, Js= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.64 (d, J= 18.0Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Ji= 11.4 Hz, Js= 15 Hz, IH); 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3): 8 167.7, 148.9, 146.4, 144.2, 142.6, 139.5, 134.0, 133.5, 132.0, 131.0, 128.3, 123.0, 121.3, 120.9, 118.1, 117.5, 116.8, 113.6, 112.4, 100.8, 74.5, 60.6, 60.5, 57.7, 56.6, 55.6, 55.5, 42.3, 41.7, 26.6, 25.5, 15.9, 9.46. 99 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for c37h35n4o7: 648.79. Found (M+H)+: 649.3. Example 23 To a solution of 27 (26 mg, 0.041 mmol) in ch2ci2 (11 ml), acetic acid (11 ml), (PPh3)2PdCh (2.36 mg) and BuaSnH (28 ml, 0.10 mmol) were added at 23 °C. After stirring at that temperature for 2h the reaction was poured into a pad of flash column (SiC>2, gradient Hex to hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 28 (24.7 mg, 99 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.33 (hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1). m NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 8 7.75-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.65 (m, 2H), 6.39 (s, IH), 5.82 (bs, IH), 5.50 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.0 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.45 (bs, IH), 4.23-4.19 (m, 2H), 4.10-4.09 (m, IH), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.36-3.33 (m, IH), 3.26-3.20 (m, IH), 3.14-3.08 (m, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 14.4 Hz, IH), 2.61 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.85 (dd, Jj= 12 Hz, Js= 15.3 Hz); 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3): 8 167.8, 146.4, 145.1, 143.9, 142.7, 137.1, 133.5, 131.9, 130.8, 128.4, 122.9, 120.8, 118.0, 116.8, 114.0, 113.4, 106.4, 100.4, 60.6, 60.5, 57.8, 56.6, 55.5, 55.2, 42.6, 41.5, 25.6, 25.5, 15.8, 8.9.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for c34h32n4o7: 608.6. Found (M+H)+: 609.2. Example 24 Mi 100 OMe OMe Me C Me CH3COCI, py, CH2CI2 0°C,1h phthaiascidin To a solution of 28 (357 mg, 0.058 mmol) in ch2ci2 (3 ml), acetyl chloride (41.58 ml, 0.58 mmol) and pyridine (47.3 ml, 0.58 ml) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for Ih and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (15 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (15 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (RP-18, CH3CN:H20 60:40) to afford phthaiascidin (354 mg, 94%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.37 (CH3CN:H20 7:3, RP-18). m NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 6 7.72-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.63 (m, 2H), 6.38 (s, IH), 5.69 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.64 (d, J= 1.2Hz, IH), 5.30 (bs, IH), 4.25-4.21 (m, 2H), 4.02 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 3.64-3.62 (m, 5H), 3.33 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.21-3.16 (m, IH), 3.02 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, Js= 18 Hz, IH), 2.76 (dd, Ji= 1.8 Hz, J2= 15.6 Hz, IH), 2.63 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s,3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 1.73 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, Js= 15.3 Hz, IH)) "C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) ): 8 168.5, 167.6, 146.2, 144.2, 142.5, 141.0, 140.5, 133.4, 131.8, 130.7, 128.2, 120.9, 120.8, 117.9, 116.4, 113.6, 101.1, 60.4, 60.0, 57.0, 56.3, 55.6, 55.4, 41.6, 41.5, 26.5, 25.2, 20.2, 15.7, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C36H34N4O8: 650. Found (M+H)+: 651.2.

PCT/GBO1/02120 101 Example 25 o. ^1 OMe > OMe O.

Me C Me AcCI, py, CH2CI2 0°C, 2h Me C Me NH NH oVyY Ma n ' Me O o^Vv0-^ KAo ("I ' Me O 17 42 To a solution of 17 (300 mg, 0.432 mmol) in CH2CI2 (2 ml), acetyl chloride (30.7 ml, 0.432 mmol) and pyridine (34.9 ml, 0.432 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2h at that temperature and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (15 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (15 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure to afford 42 (318 mg, 100%) as a white solid that was used in subsequent reactions with no further purification.

Rf: 0.5 (ethyl acetate:methanol 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3). 5 6.66 (s, IH), 5.93 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.83 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.42 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 5.07 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, IH), 4.98 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, IH), 4.16 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 4.11 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.98 (bs, IH), 3.73-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.64 (s, 3H), 3.52-3.48 (m, IH), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.33 (d, J= 9.6 Hz, IH), 3.17-3.14 (m, IH); 2.97-2.87 (m, IH), 2.75-2.70 (d, J= 16.8 Hz, IH), 2.26 (s, 6H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.70 (dd, Jj= 11.7 Hz, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 1.33 (s, 9H), 0.59 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 3H).

"C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3)): 8 172.0, 168.3, 162.3, 148.2, 144.4, 140.4, 140.2, 130.9, 130.5, 125.3, 123.4, 120.8, 117.6, 112.7, 111.7, 101.4, 102 99.1, 79.2, 59.5, 58.8, 57.5, 57.4, 56.4, 55.5, 55.0, 41.3, 39.0, 28.2, 26.4, 24.6, 19.9, 18.4, 15.4, 9.1.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C38H49N5O10: 735.82. Found (M+H)+: 736.3. Example 26 OMe TFA, CH2CI2 3.5h, 23 °C (VyY Mo O I Me 42 To a solution of 42 (318 mg, 0.432 mmol) in ch2ci2 (2.16 mmol), trifluoroacetic acid (1.33 ml, 17.30 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3.5h at 23 °C. The reaction was quenched at 0 °C with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (60 ml) and extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 70 ml). The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, ethyl acetate-.methanol 20:1) to afford 43 (154 mg, 60%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.22 (ethyl acetate:methanol 5:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3). 5 6.47 (s, IH), 6.22 (bs, IH), 5.95 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.88 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 4.08-4.06 (m, 2H), 4.01 (bs, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.49 (d, J= 3.6 Hz, IH), 3.33 (d, 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.26-3.22 (m, IH), 2.95 (dd, 8.1 Hz, 18 Hz, IH), 2.80-2.76 (m, 2H), 2.58 (d, J=18Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.77 (dd, Ji= 12.3 Hz, 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.90 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3)): 8 174.8, 169.0, 146.8, 144.4, 142.8, 140.5, 140.2, 131.1, 128.8, 120.8, 120.5, 117.1, 112.9, 111.6, 101.5, 60.3, PCT/GBO1/02120 103 59.0, 56.5, 56.3, 55.6, 55.1, 50.2, 41.6, 39.5, 26.8, 26.3, 24.9, 20.2, 15.4, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C31H37N5O7: 591.65. Found (M+H)+: 592.3. Example 27 OMe HO^ -I-Me PhNCS, CH2CI2 2h, 23 °C OMe HO^ .Me 43 NHC.SNHPh To a solution of 43 (154 mg, 0.26 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.3 ml), phenyl isothiocyanate (186 ml, 1.56 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 23° C for 2h. The reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient Hexane to hexane:ethyl acetate 1:1) to afford 44 (120 mg, 63 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.41 (ethyl acetate -.methanol 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3). 6 8.17 (s, IH), 7.49-7.44 (m, 3H), 7.31-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.05 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.87 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.52 (bs, IH), 4.54 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 4.15 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.03 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (bs, IH), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.40 (bs, IH), 3.32 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 3.16 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, IH), 2.82-2.61 (m, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, J^= 15.9 Hz, IH), 0.62 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 3H).

»C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) 5 178.5, 171.9, 168.7, 146.7, 144.5, 142.6, 140.6, 140.3, 136.3, 131.0, 129.9, 128.9, 126.7, 124.4, 120.9, 120.6, 104 117.7, 116.6, 112.7, 111.9, 101.4, 60.4, 58.7, 57.5, 56.1, 55.7, 55.1, 53.3, 41.4, 38.8, 26.3, 24.4, 20.2, 18.1, 15.3, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C38H42N6O7S: 726.3. Found (M+H)+: 727.3.

Example 28 OMe Me 44 45 To a solution of 44 (120 mg, 0.165 mmol) in dioxane (0.9 ml), 5.3N HCI/dioxane (1.8 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for 2.5h. Then, ch2ci2 (10 ml) and h2o (5 ml) were added to this reaction and the organic layer was decanted. The aqueous phase was basified with saturated aq sodium bicarbonate (20 ml) (pH = 8) at 0 °C and then, extracted with ch2ci2 (2x15 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (sodium sulphate), and concentrated in vacuo to afford 45 (75 mg, 87%) as a white solid that was used in subsequent reactions with no further purification.

Rf: 0.23 (ethyl acetate methanol 5:1). m NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 6 6.43 (s, IH), 5.94 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.87 (d, J= 1.2Hz, IH), 4.10 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 3.98 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.91 (bs, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.34-3.25 (m, 2H), 3.05 (dd, Jj= 1.8 Hz, Js= 8.1 Hz, IH), 2.80-2.73 (m, 3H), 2.46 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s,3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.79 (dd, Ji= 12.6 Hz, Js= 16.2 Hz, 1H); 105 "C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) ): 5 168.7, 146.7, 144.4, 142.9, 140.4, 130.4, 128.9, 121.1, 120.8, 117.8, 116.8, 113.6, 111.5, 101.4, 67.6, 60.5, 59.8, 58.4, 56.6, 55.8, 55.3, 43.6, 41.8, 31.3, 25.6, 20.2, 15.6, 9.2. ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C28H32N4O6: 520.58. Found (M+H)+: 521.3.

Example 29 OMe Phtaiascidin To a solution of 45 (10 mg, 0.02 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.4 ml) was added phthalic anhydride (2.84 mg, 0.02 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at 23 °C. Then, carbonyldiimidazole (0.5 mg, 0.003 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 7h. Then, carbonyldiimidazole (2.61 mg, 0.016 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for an additional 17h. The solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (RP-18, CH3CN:H20 60:40) to afford phthaiascidin (11.7 mg, 93%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.37 (CH3CN:H20 7:3, RP-18). iH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 5 7.72-7.68 (m, 2 H), 7.67-7.63 (m, 2 H), 6.38 (s, IH), 5.69 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.64 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.30 (bs, IH), 4.25-4.21 (m, 2 h), 4.02 (d, J"= 2.1 Hz, IH), 3.64-3.62 (m, 5H), 3.33 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.21-3.16 (m, IH), 3.02 (dd, Ji= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18 Hz, IH), PCT/GBO1/02120 106 2.76 (dd, Jj= 1.8 Hz, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 2.63 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s,3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 1.73 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, J^= 15.3 Hz, IH)). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13)): 5 168.5, 167.6, 146.2, 144.2, 142.5, 141.0, 140.5, 133.4, 131.8, 130.7, 128.2, 120.9, 120.8, 117.9, 116.4, 113.6, 101.1, 60.4, 60.0, 57.0, 56.3, 55.6, 55.4, 41.6, 41.5, 26.5, 25.2, 20.2, 15.7, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C36H34N4O8: 650. Found (M+H)+: 651.2.

Example 30 To a solution of 25 (18 mg, 0.032 mmol) in DMF (0.05 ml), cat. DMAP (0.5 mg, 0.004 mmol), imidazole (5 mg, 0.08 mmol) and tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (12.5 ml, 0.048 mmol) were added at O °C and the reaction mixture was stirred for 6h at 23 °C. Water (10 ml) was added at 0 °C and the aqueous phase was extracted with hexane:ethyl acetate 1:10 (2 x 10 mmol). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulphate), filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, hexane:ethyl acetate 3:1) to afford 26 (27 mg, 88 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.29 (hexane:ethyl acetate 3:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.61-7.58 (m, 2 h), 7.42-7.28 (m, 8H), 6.71 (s, IH), 6.19-6.02 (m, IH), 5.78 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.64 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, OH OTBDPS 26 PCT/GBO1/02120 107 1H), 5.40 (dd, Ji= 1.2 Hz, J2= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.27 (dd, Ji= 1.2 Hz, J2= 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.13 (s, 2 h), 4.45 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.24 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.17-4.06 (m, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.64 (dd, Ji= 2.4 Hz, J2= 9.9 Hz, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.42-3.21 (m, 4H), 3.10 (dd, 8.1 Hz, J2= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2,70 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2,26 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 2.08-1.89 (m, IH), 0.87 (s, 9H); *3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCls): 8 148.5, 148.3, 148.1, 144.0, 139.0, 135.6, 135.4, 133.8, 133.1, 132.6, 130.5, 130.3, 129.6, 129.4, 127.5, 127.4, 125.1, 124.3, 121.6, 118.5, 117.5, 112.9, 111.7, 100.8, 99.2, 74.0, 67.7, 61.5, 59.6, 59.0, 57.7, 57.1, 55.4, 41.6, 29.6, 26.6, 25.5, 18.8, .8, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C47H55N307Si: 801.3. Found (M+H)+: 802.3. Example 31 Bu3SnH, (PPh3)2PdCl2 AcOH, CH2C12, 1h, 23 °C CN OTBDPS OMe MOMO^ . Me N-rMe CN OTBDPS 26 ET-11 To a solution of 26 (7 mg, 0.0087 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.15 ml), acetic acid (2.5 ml, 0.044 mmol), (PPh3)2PdCl2 (0.5 mg, 6.96 x 10"4 mmol) and BuaSnH (3.5 ml, 0.013 mmol) were added at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at that temperature for lh. The solution was diluted with a mixture of hexane:ethyl acetate 5:1 (0.5 ml) and poured into a pad of flash column (SiC>2, gradient 5:1 to 1:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) affording ET-11 (5 mg, 75 %) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.36 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5, silica).

PCT/GBO1/02120 108 *H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 8 7.56 (m, 2 h), 7.41-7.25 (m, 8H), 6.67 (s, IH), 5.72 (d, J= 1.0 Hz, IH), 5.58 (d, J= 1.0 Hz, IH), 5.51 (s, IH), 5.38 (d, J= 5.75 Hz, IH), 5.16 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, IH), 4.57 (d, J= 2.9 Hz, IH), 4.21 (m, 1H), 4.09 (m, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.68 (dd, Jj= 2.1 Hz, J2= 10.4 Hz, IH), 3.38-3.26 (m, 3H), 3.11 (dd, Jj= 2.5 Hz, 15.7 Hz, IH), 3.01 (dd, Jj= 8.9 Hz, J2= 17.9 Hz, IH), 2.70 (d, J= 17.9 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.89 (dd, 12.1 Hz, J2= 15.7 Hz, IH), 0.9 (s, 9H). ); 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3): 8 149.0, 147.4, 145.3, 144.3, 136.3, 135.7, 135.4, 133.2, 130.9, 130.5, 129.6, 129.5, 127.5, 125.0, 118.6, 112.5, 112.1, 105.7, 100.5, 99.8, 68.5, 61.5, 59.7, 58.8, 57.7, 56.9, 56.5, 55.4, 41.7, 26.6, 26.2, 25.5, 18.9, 15.8, 14.2, 8.7.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C44HsiN307Si: 761. Found (M+H)+: 762.

Example 32 OMe NH OMe h2N_A-c ' 2 0[ CN NH PhHNSCHN A solution of 2 (3.0 g, 5.46 mmol) and phenyl isothiocyanate (3.92mL, 32.76 mmol) in ch2ci2 (27 ml) was stirred at 23° C for 1.5h. The reaction mixture was partitioned between ch2ci2 (10 ml) and h2o (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient Hex to 2:3 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give 3 (3.29 g, 88%) as a yellow solid.

PCT/GBO1/02120 109 Rf: 0.27 (ACN:H20 3:2, RP-C18); m NMR (300 MHz, CDCb): 5 7.77 (bs, IH), 7.42-7.11 (m, 5H), 6.65 (d, IH), 6.29 (s, IH), 5.6-5.5 (m, IH), 4.19-4.14 (m, 2 h), 4.08 (d, IH), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.87-3.65 (m, 6H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.37-2.98 (m, 8H), 2.50 (d, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.96 (d, IH), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.81-1.75 (m, IH), 0.96 (d, 3H); i3C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3): 5 185.7, 180.9,178.9,172.0, 155.7, 147.1, 143.2, 142.4,136.0, 135.1, 130.5,1 29.9, 129.3,128.5,126.9, 124.4, 120.2, 117.4, 116.3, 77.1, 60.9, 58.6, 56.2, 55.8, 55.0, 54.6, 53.5, 41.7, 40.3, 25.1, 24.5, 18.4,15.8, 8.7 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CseH^NgOeS: 684.8. Found (M+H)+: 685.2.

Example 33 A solution of 3 (0.143 g, 0.208 mmol) in 6.5 M HCI/dioxane (150 ml) was stirred at 23 °C for 6h. Then, toluene (3 ml) was added to this reaction and the organic layer was decanted. The residue was partitioned between saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (3 ml) and chci3 (3x3 ml) The organic layers were dried and concentrated to afford title compound as a mixture of 4 and 6 (4:6 90:10) which slowly cyclizes to 6 on standing.

OMe Y^o 3 Me 4 PCT/GBO1/02120 110 Rf: 0.4 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l, silica); iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCla): 5 6.45 (s, 1H), 4.16 (m, IH), 4.02 (d, IH), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.79 (m, 2 h), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.35 (m, IH), 3.20-3.00 (m, 3H), 2.87 (d, IH), 2.75 (d, IH), 2.43 (d, IH), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 1.93 (s, 3H), 1.72-1.5 (m, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C26H30N4O5: 478.5. Found (M+H)+: 479.2 Example 34 OMe A solution of 3 (0.143 g, 0.208 mmol) in 6.5M HCI/dioxane (150 ml) was stirred at 23 °C for lh. Evaporation of the solvent gave a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (ethyl acetate/methanol/triethylamine 100:25:0.1) to give 6 (80 mg, 83%) as a yellow solid.

Rf: 0.26 (ACN:H20 3:2, RP-C18); m NMR (500 MHz, cdci3): 8 6.46 (s, IH), 5.9 (bs, IH) 4.67 (dd, J=18.3 Hz, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 4.24 (d, IH), 4.16 (s, 3H), 3.93 (d, J=2.7 Hz, IH), 3.8 (m, 2 h), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.45 (m, 2 h), 3.08 (dd, J=17.9 Hz, J=3.6 Hz, IH), 2.78 (m, IH), 2.55 (d, IH), 2.3 (m, IH), 2.3 (s, 3H), 2. 28 (s, 3H), 1.90 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (75 MHz,CDCl3): 8 186.2, 162.1, 154.9, 146.9, 145.3, 143.0, 130.1, 129.4, 128,1, 125.0, 121.4, 116.4, 116.2, 66.6, 60.7, 60.7,60.1, 59.6, 58.8, 55.6, 54.9, 41.9, 25.3, 24.7, 15.7, 8.9. 111 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C26H28N4O4: 460.5. Found (M+H)+: 461.1 Example 35 To a solution of 3 (2.38 g, 3.47 mmol) in dioxane (5 ml) 5.3M HCI in dioxane (34 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for 45 minutes. Then AC2O (51 ml, 539.5 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 4h. The reaction was cooled at 0 °C and partitioned between aqueous saturated Na2CC>3 (300 ml) and ethyl acetate (300 ml) at this temperature. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient CH2CI2 to CH2Cl2:ethyl acetate 1:2) to give 5 (1.75 g, 97%) as a yellow solid.

Rf: 0.53 (ACN:H20 3:2, RP-C18); XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.51 (s, IH), 5.98 (bs, IH), 4.84 (dd, IH), 4.17 (d, IH), 4.00 (d, IH), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.85 (bs, IH), 3.81 (m, IH), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.70 (d, IH), 3.23 (m, IH), 3.11 (dd, IH), 3.09 (m, IH), 2.93 (m, 2 h), 2.44 (d, IH), 3.67 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.60-1.50 (m, 2 h), 1.29 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCls): 6 185.9, 180.8, 169.9, 160.2, 156.2, 147.0, 143.1, 140.4, 136.1, 130.6, 129.6, 127.9, 120.4, 117.2,61.0,60.7, 58.6, 56.1, 55.7, 55.1, 54.3, 41.8, 41.1, 25.7, 23.9, 22.2, 15.7, 8.7. ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C28H32N4O6: 520.6. Found (M+H)+: 521.1 OMe Pht- 112 Example 36 OMe OMe MeO Me Me MOMBr, CH2CI2 DIPEA, DMAP NH A0 NH S To a solution of 5 (1.75 g, 3.36 mmol) in CH2CI2 (17 ml) diisopropylethylamine (11.71 ml, 67.23 mmol), DMAP (20 mg, 0.17 mmol) and bromomethyl methyl ether (4.11 ml, 50.42 mmol) were added at 0 °C. After 6 h at 23 °C the reaction was partitioned between CH2CI2 (50 ml) and aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate (25 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (RP-18, CH3CN/H2O 1/1) to give 7 (1.32 g, 70%) as a yellow solid.

Rf: 0.34 (ACN:H20 2:3, RP-C18); iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.74 (s, IH), 5.14 (s, 2 h), 4.82 (m, IH), 4.22 (d, IH), 4.00 (s, 3H), 4.0 (m, IH), 3.83 (m, 2 h), 3.7 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.4 (m, IH), 3.2-2.95 (m, 6H), 2.43 (d, IH), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.5-1.4 (m, 2 h), 1.31 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 8 185.9, 180.7, 169.6, 156.2, 148.9, 148.5, 140.3, 136.2, 131.3, 130.1, 127.7, 124.6, 123.7, 117.3, 99.5, 99.2, 60.9, 59.7, 58.8, 57.7, 56.4, 55.7, 55.0, 54.2, 51.0, 41.6, 41.0, 40.5, 25.5, 23.9, 22.3, 19.3, 15.6, 14.6, 8.6.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C30H36N4O7: 564.6. Found (M+H)+: 565.3 Example 37 113 OMe Me OMe MeO' Me NH MeOH, 1M NaOH 0°C, 15 min.

Me HO Me A0 NH 7 To a solution of 7 (0.37 g, 0.65 mmol) in methanol (74 ml) at 0 °C was added 1M sodium hydroxide (130 ml). The reaction was stirred for 15 minutes and then, quenched at 0 °C with 6M HCI to pH = 5. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 ml) and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (RP-C18 CH3CN:H20 1/:1) to afford 8 (232 mg, 65%) as a yellow oil.

Rf: 0.5 (ACN:H20 3:2, RP-C18); *H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 8 6.75 (s, IH), 5.15 (s, 2 h), 4.86 (m, IH), 4.26 (d, IH),), 4.01 (d, IH), 3.88-3.81 (m, 2 h), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.39 (m, IH), 3.27-3.21 (m, IH), 3.18-3.08 (m, 2 h), 3.03-2.97 (m, IH) 2.47 (d, IH), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2. 22 (s, 3H), 1.90 (s, 3H), 1.57-1.46 (m, 2 h), 1.33 (s, 3H); «C NMR (75 MHz,DCDCl3): 5 185.3, 180.6, 175.9, 170.1, 151.5, 148.9, 148.6, 143.3, 133.7, 131.5, 129.9, 124.7, 123.5, 117.1, 117.0, 99.2, 59.8, 58.7, 57.8, 56.3, 55.3, 54.9, 54.3, 41.5, 40.7, 29.6, 25.5, 24.4, 22.2, 20.7, 15.7, 8.0.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C29H34N407: 550.6. Found (M+H)+: 551.2 Example 38 PCT/GBO1/02120 114 OMe OMe Me HO Me CICH2Br/Cs2C03 DMF/90°C Me NH NH A0 A0 8 9 To a degassed solution of compound 8 (240mg, 0.435 mmol) in DMF (30 ml) 10 % Pd/C (48 mg) was added and the reaction was stirred under H2 (atmospheric pressure.) for Ih. The reaction was filtered through a pad of celite under Argon to a Schlenk tube, as a colourless solution, containing anhydrous CS2CO3 (240 mg, 0.739 mmol). Then, bromochloromethane (0.566 ml, 8.71 mmol) was added. The tube was sealed and stirred at 90 °C for 3h. The reaction was cooled and filtrated through celite and washed with CH2CI2. The organic layer was concentrated and dried (sodium sulphate) to afford 9 as a brown oil that was used in the next step with no further purification.

Rf: 0.36 (Si02, hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5) *H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.71 (s, 3H), 5.89 (d, IH), 5.81 (d, IH), 5.63 (bs, IH), 5.33 (d, IH), 5.17 (d, IH), 4.97 (m, IH), 4.20 (d, IH), 4.09 (m, IH), 3.99 (m, IH), 3.68 (m, IH), 3.65 (s, 6H), 3.59-3.47 (m, 4H), 3.37-3.27 (m, 2 h), 3.14- 2.97 (m, 2 h), 2.62 (d, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.72 (m, IH), 1.36 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 8 169.8, 149.1, 147.4, 145.5, 136.2, 130.9, 130.8, 125.0, 122.9, 117.7, 112.6, 111.8, 106.4, 100.8, 99.8, 59.8, 58.9, 57.7, 56.6, 56.4, 55.5, 55.2, 41.6, 40.1, 29.6, 25.9, 25.0, 22.6, 15.6, 8.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CaoHaeSi^Oy: 564.6. Found (M+H)+: 565.3. Example 39 PCT/GBO1/02120 115 OMe OMe Me C Me AllylBr/Cs2C03 DMF/23 "C Me NH NH A0 Ad 9 To a flask containing 9 (245 mg, 0.435 mmol) in DMF, (4 ml), cesium carbonate (425 mg, 1.30 mmol) and allyl bromide (376 ml, 4.35 mmol) were added at 0 °C and the mixture was stirred at 23 °C for lh. The reaction was filtered though a pad of celite and partitioned between ch2ci2 (25 ml) and h2o (10 ml). The organic phase was dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated at reduced pressure to afford a residue that was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, chci3: ethyl acetate 1:2) to give 10 as a yellow oil. (113 mg, 43 %).

Rf: 0.36 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5) *H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 6 6.74 (s, IH), 6.3-6.0 (m, IH), 5.94 (d, IH), 5.87 (d, IH), 5.43-5.36 (m, 2 h), 5.22 (s, 2 h), 5.00 (m, IH), 4.22 (m, IH), 4.17-4.01 (m, IH), 3.98 (m, 2 h), 3.71-3.67 (m, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.51 (m, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.39-3.37 (m, IH), 3.31-3.26 (m, 3H), 3.09 (dd, IH), 2.56 (d, IH), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 2.24- 2.10 (m, IH), 1.82-1.73 (m, IH), 1.24 (bs, 3H) i3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): 5 169.4, 148.8, 148.3, 139.1, 133.7, 130.9, 130.3, 125.2, 120.2, 117.7, 113.1, 112.6, 101.3, 99.3, 74.1, 59.7, 59.3, 57.8, 57.0, 56.1, 56.1, 55.2, 41.6, 41.0, 40.9, 29.7, 26.3, 22.5, 15.6, 9.3 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C33H40N4O7: 604.7. Found (M+H)+: 605.3.

Example 40 PCT/GBO1/02120 116 OMe OMe Me C Me CH2CI2,0°C,1h C Me AcCl, py Me NH NH 0^ 9 46 To a solution of 9 (22 mg, 0.039 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.2 ml), acetyl chloride (2.79 ml, 0.039 mmol) and pyridine (3.2 ml, 0.039 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure to afford 46 (22 mg, 93%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.4 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3). 5 6.74 (s, IH), 5.97 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.12 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, 2 h), 5.04 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, IH) 4.90 (t, J= 6 Hz, IH), 4.17 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.05 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.01 (bs, IH), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 3.50-3.44 (m, 2 h), 3.38-3.36 (m, IH), 3.30-3.26 (m, IH), 3.00 (dd, 7.8 Hz, J2= 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.79 (d, J= 12.9 Hz, IH), 2.60 (d, J=18.0 Hz, IH), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.68 (dd, Jj=l 1.7 Hz, J2= 15.6 Hz, IH).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32h38N408: 606.67. Found (M+H)+: 607.3.

Example 41 117 OMe OMe Me C Me HCI 5.3M in dioxane 1h, 23 °C Me C Me NH NH <A 0^ 46 47 To a solution of 46 (8 mg, 0.013 mmol) in dioxane (0.1 ml), 5.3N HCI/dioxane (0.5 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for lh. Then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure to afford 47 (5 mg, 70%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.4 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:5). 3H NMR (300 MHz, CDCb). "8 6.51 (s, IH), 5.97 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 4.97 (bs, IH), 4.11 (bs, IH), 4.04-4.02 (m, 2 h), 3.75 (s, 3H),), 3.65 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 2 h), 3.56-3.30 (m, 2 h), 3.04 (dd, Ji= 7.5 Hz, J2= 18 Hz, IH), 2.80 (d, J= 14.4 Hz, IH), 2.59 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, 12.0 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH), 1.33 (s, 3H), 1.25 (s, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C30H34N4O7: 562.61. Found (M+H)+: 563.3.

Example 42 PCT/GBO1/02120 11S OMe OMe M< Me Isovaleryl chloride, py, CH2CI2, 0°C, 1h ^ Me NH i 45 48 To a solution of 45 (10 mg, 0.0192 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), isovaleiyl chloride (2.34 ml, 0.0192 mmol) and pyridine (1.55 ml, 0.0192 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2) to afford 48 (11 mg, 95%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.12 (Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2).

JH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.50 (s, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.5Hz, IH), 5.91(d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.75 (s, IH), 5.02 (t, J= 5.4 Hz, IH), 4.10 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.06 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.02 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.76-3.71 (m, IH), 3.86-3.28 (m, 3H), 3.04 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, Js= 18.3Hz, IH), 2.78 (d, J=15.9 Hz, IH), 2.55 (d, J=18 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.84-1.68 (m, 2 h), 1.36 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2 h), 0.69 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.62 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C33H40N4O7: 604.69. Found (M+H)+: 605.3.

Example 43 PCT/GBO 1/02120 119 OMe OMe Me C Me decanoyi chloride, py, CH2CI2, 0°C, 1h Me C Me 45 49 To a solution of 45 (10 mg, 0.0192 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), isovaleryl chloride (3.98 ml, 0.0192 mmol) and pyridine (1.55 ml, 0.0192 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2) to afford 49 (12.4 mg, 96%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.7 (ethyl acetate:methano]10:l). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 5 6.50 (s, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.5Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.73 (s, IH), 5.08 (t, J= 5.4 Hz, IH), 4.10 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.05 (m., IH), 4.01 (m, IH), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.65-3.61 (m, IH), 3.40-3.27 (m, 3H), 3.03 (dd, Ji= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18.6 Hz, IH), 2.78 (d, J=13.2 Hz, IH), 2.57 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 1.79 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, J?= 16.5 Hz, IH), 1.73-1.42 (m, 4H), 1.33-1.18 (m, 10H), 1.03 (m, 2 h), 0.87 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C38H50N4O7: 674.83. Found (M+H)+: 675.5.

Example 44 120 OMe OMe Me C Me trans-Ci0H6ClF3O, py. ^ CH2CI2, 0°, 1h.

Me C 45 O 50 To a solution of 45 (14.5 mg, 0.0278 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), trans-3-trifluoromethyl cinnamoyl chloride (4.76 ml, 0.0278 mmol) and pyridine (2.25 ml, 0.0278 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiCh, Hex: ethyl acetate 1:1) to afford 50 (18. 7 mg, 94%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.64 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l). iH NMR (300 MHz, CH3OD). 6 7.74-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.23 (d, J= 16.0 Hz, IH), 6.34 (s, IH), 6.12 (d, J= 16.0 Hz, IH), 6.07 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.96 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 4.39 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.07-4.05 (m, 1 H), 3.81 (bs, IH), 3.46-3.51 (m, 3H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 3.09 (br d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 2.94-2.85 (m, 2 h), 2.74 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.80 (s, 3H), 1.84-1.75 (m, IH). i3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) ): 5 168.7, 165.3, 146.5, 144.7, 142.6, 140.6, 138.0, 135.9, 131.0, 130.9, 129.1, 128.6, 125.8, 125.7, 124.5, 124.4, 122.7, 121.2, 117.8, 116.5, 113.0, 112.0, 101.7, 60.4, 59.1, 56.5, 56.4, 55.6, 55.3, 41.8, 40.3, 26.6, 25.1, 20.3, 15.4, 9.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C38H37F3N4O7: 718.72. Found (M+H)+: 719.3.

Example 45 121 OMe OMe Me C Me Isovaleryl chloride, Py, CH2CI2, 0°C, 1h Me NH NH2 NH o 43 51 To a solution of 43 (33 mg, 0.0557 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.4 ml), isovaleryl chloride (6.79 ml, 0.0557 mmol) and pyridine (4.5 ml, 0.0557 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiCh, Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2) to afford 51 (34 mg, 91%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.09 (Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2).

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCls): 6 6.46 (s,lH), 6.10 (bs, IH), 5.99 (d, J= 0.9Hz, IH), 5.90 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.30 (t, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 4.10-4.05 (m, 3H),3.81 (bs, IH), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.54 (bs,lH), 3.38-3.36 (m, IH), 3.29-3.21 (m, IH), 3.00 (dd, Jj= 8.0 Hz, 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.95-1.90 (m, 3H), 0.87 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 6H), 0.76 (d, 6.0 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C36H45N5O8: 675.77. Found (M+H)+: 676.3.

Example 46 122 OMe Me C OMe Me Me NH NH2 NH NH 43 To a solution of 43 (33 mg, 0.0557 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.4 ml), trans-3-trifluoromethyl cinnamoyl chloride (9.52 ml, 0.0557 mmol) and pyridine (4.5 ml, 0.0557 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, Hex: ethyl acetate 1:2) to afford 52 (40 mg, 92%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.21 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:2).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cd3od). 8 7.74-7.47 (m, 4H), 6.49 (s, IH), 6.40 (d, J= 15.6 Hz, IH), 6.00 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.90 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.47 (t, J= 6 Hz, IH), 4.12-4.09 (m, 3H), 3.93 (bs, IH), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.58 (m, IH), 3.38 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 3.29 (d, J=12.0 Hz, IH), 3.00 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.79-2.78 (m, IH), 2.65 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH) 2.29 (s, 6H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.84-1.80 (m, IH), 0.85-0.84 (m, "C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) 8 171.9, 168.8, 164.4, 146.9, 144.6, 143.0, 140.5, 140.5, 139.3, 135.7, 131.1, 131.0, 129.4, 129.1, 126.0, 124.1, 124.0, 122.4, 121.1, 120.7, 120.6, 117.7, 116.9, 112.8, 112.0, 101.6, 60.6, 59.3, 57.1, 56.3, 55.9, 55.2, 49.0, 41.7, 49.9, 26.5, 25.1, 20.2, 18.4, 15.7, 9.3. 3H).

PCT/GBO 1/02120 123 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C41H42F3N5O8: 789.8. Found (M+H)+: 790.3.

Example 47 OMe HO- ^Me I N—rMe Trifluoroacetic anhydride Ns/' CH2CI2,5h, 23 °C q^^NH^CFs To a solution of 43 (10 mg, 0.0169 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.2 ml) trifluoroacetic anhydride (2.38fil, 0.0169 mmol) was added at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5h and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, Hex: ethyl acetate 3:2) to afford 53 (10.7 mg, 93%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.57 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l). m NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 6.45 (s, IH), 6.00 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.90 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.87 (bs, IH), 5.32 (bs, IH), 4.12(d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.08 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.78-3.56 (m, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.40 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.25 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 3.00 (dd, Jj- 8.4 Hz, Js= 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.77 (dd, Ji= 2.1 Hz, Js= 15.9 Hz, IH), 2.68 (d, 18.6 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.75 (dd, 11.4 Hz, Js= 15.9 Hz, IH), 0.69 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) 6 170.1, 168.6,156.0, 147.0, 144.6, 143.0, 140.6, 140.4, 131.0, 129.4, 120.9, 120.7, 117.6, 116.8, 112.4, 112.1, 124 101.6, 60.5, 59.0, 57.1, 56.3, 55.6, 55.2, 48.7, 41.6, 39.4, 26.5, 24.9, 20.2, 17.8, 15.4, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C33H36F3N5O8: 687.63. Found (M+H)+: 688.66. Example 48 I N-jMe Trifluoroacetic anhydride CH2CI2,5h, 23 °C OMe \ 0) 0 X 0 Me. j/ Xx n / W I O \ CN NH 0-'YNHyCF3 Wle O 54 To a solution of 19 (11 mg, 0.0169 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.2 ml) trifluoroacetic anhydride (2.38 ml, 0.0169 mmol) was added at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5h and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (5 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (3 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, Hex: ethyl acetate 3:2) to afford 54 (10.7 mg, 93%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.6 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l). iH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 7.33 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 6.45 (s, IH), 6.04 (m, IH), 5.95 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.84 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.32 (m, 2 h), 5.21 (m, IH), 4.11 (m, 4H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.64 (m, 2 h), 3.51 (m, IH), 3.37 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 3.22 (m, 2 h), 3.03 (dd, IH, Ji= 8.1 Hz, Js= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.60 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.86 (dd, Jj= 12 Hz, Js= 16.2 Hz, IH), 0.82 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) 5 170.0, 156.0, 148.4, 147.1, 144.3, 143.0, 138.7, 133.8, 130.5, 129.4, 120.6, 120.4, 117.6, 117.5, 117.0, 113.5, PCT/GBO 1/02120 125 112.5, 1-12.4, 101.1, 74.1, 66.8, 60.4, 59.3, 56.9, 56.6, 56.3, 55.4, 48.7, 41.6, 40.1, 26.2, 25.0, 17.6, 15.4, 9.1.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C35H39F3N5O7: 685.69. Found (M+H)+: 686.3. Example 49 °Vycf3 oVycf3 Me O Me O 54 55 To a solution of 54 (100 mg, 0.415 mmol) in CH2CI2 (4 ml), acetic acid (40 ml), (PPh3)2PdCl2 (8.4 mg, 0.012 mmol) and BusSnH (157 ml, 0.56 mmol) were added at 23 °C. After stirring at that temperature for 2 h the reaction was poured into a pad of flash column (SiC>2, gradient Hex to hexane:ethyl acetate 2:1) to afford 55 (90 mg, 96%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.6 (hexane:ethyl acetate 1:2). m NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.55 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, IH), 6.45 (s, IH), 5.90 (d, 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.82 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.37 (t, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 4.15 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.04 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.66-3.53 (m, 2 h), 3.37-3.31 (m, 2 h), 3.19-3.15 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, IH), 3.08-3.00 (m, 2 h), 2.56 (d, <7=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.91 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, J2= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.84 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCb) 5 170.1, 156.3, 147.3, 144.9, 144.4, 143.3, 136.7, 130.7, 129.3, 120.6, 117.6, 117.4, 114.4, 112.1, 107.7, 101.0, 85.8, 60.5, 59.3, 56.5, 56.4, 56.2, 55.2, 48.9, 41.6, 40.9, 25.7, 25.3, 18.0, 15.6, 8.7. 126 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32h35F3N507: 645.63. Found (M+H)+: 646.2.

Example 50 ■'V'YY- Me n ' 17 TFA, CH2CI2 4h, 23 °C OMe HO^ ^Me To a solution of 17 (200 mg, 0.288 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.44 ml), trifluoroacetic acid (888 ml, 11.53 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4h at 23 °C. The reaction was quenched at 0 °C with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (60 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 70 ml). The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated in vacuo to afford 56 (147 mg, 93%) as a white solid that was used in subsequent reactions with no further purification.

Rf: 0.19 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l). iH NMR (300 MHz, CD3OD). 5 6.48 (s, IH), 5.88, d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.81 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 4.35 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, 1H),4.15 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 3.99-3.98 (m, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.52-2.96 (m, 7H), 2.68 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.85 (dd, 11.7 Hz, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.91 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CD3OD): 5 173.2, 149.1, 145.6, 144.9, 138.0, 132.2, 130.6, 121.4, 119.6, 117.4, 114.3, 109.2, 102.5, 82.3, 60.4, 58.4, 58.3, 57.8, 56.6, 50.1, 42.3, 41.6, 27.8, 26.2, 19.5, 15.5, 9.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C29H35N5O6: 549.62. Found (M+H)+: 550.3. 127 Example 51 OMe OMe Me C Me C6HsNCS, CH2CI2 1.5h, 23 °C NH NH 0^' NHCSNHPh Me Me 56 57 To a solution of 56 (10 mg, 0.018 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.4 ml), phenyl isothiocyanate (13 ml, 0.109 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23° C for 1.5h. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient Hexane to 1:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to afford 57 (8 mg, 65%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.57 (ethyl acetate:methanol 10:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 6 7.88 (bs, IH), 7.41-7.36 (m, 2 h), 7.27-7.22 (m, IH), 7.02-7.00 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 2 h), 6.71 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, IH), 6.31 (s, IH), 6.17 (bs, IH), 5.93 (d, J=1.2 Hz, IH), 5.83 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.55 (bs, IH), 5.20-5.17 (m, IH), 4.16 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 4.05 (bs, IH), 4.02 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.75-3.71 (m, IH), 3.35 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 3.28-3.19 (m, 2 h), 3.12-2.97 (m, 2 h), 2.50 (d, J=18.3 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.15-2.09 (dd, J;= 11.4 Hz, J-2= 15.9 Hz, IH), 1.95 (s, 3H), 0.88 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

"C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3): 5 178.5, 171.7, 147.2, 145.0, 144.3, 143.3, 137.0, 135.7, 130.6, 130.4, 129.6, 127.5, 124.3, 120.6, 117.7, 117.2, 115.3, 112.1, 108.3, 100.9, 60.9, 59.5, 56.7, 56.5, 56.2, 55.2, 54.1, 41.7, 41.1, 26.3, 25.4, 18.5, 15.8, 9.0.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CseH^NeOeS: 684.81. Found (M+H)+: 685.3. 128 Example 52 OMe OMe Me C Me AcCI, py, CH2CI2 3h, 0 °C NH NH o^y1 NHCSNHPh NHCSNAcPh Me Me 57 58 To a solution of 57 (45 mg, 0.065 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.5 ml), acetyl chloride (4.67 ml, 0.065 mmol) and pyridine (5.3 ml, 0.065 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3h and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (RP-18, CH3CN: H2O 40:60) to afford 58 (14 mg, 28%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.34 (CH3CN: H2O 7:15). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3). 8 11.90 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 7.45-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.18-7.15 (m, 2 h), 6.58 (s, IH), 6.00 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.89 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, 1H), 5.70 (s, IH), 5.37 (t, J= 4.8 Hz, IH), 4.48 (m, IH), 4.23 (bs, IH), 4.07 (bs, 2 h), 3.85-3.75 (m, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.46-3.41 (m, 2 h), 3.24-3.20 (m, 1H), 3.00-2.95 (m, IH), 2.87-2.75 (m, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.85 (dd, 11.4 Hz, 15.6 Hz, IH), 1.66 (s, 3H), 0.82 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3)): 5 182.6, 174.3, 171.0, 146.6, 144.6, 142.7, 142.3, 140.7, 140.2, 131.3, 129.8, 129.3, 128.9, 128.8, 121.5, 120.4, 117.3, 116.6, 112.8, 112.0, 111.3, 101.5, 60.5, 59.0, 57.6, 56.2, 55.9, 55.3, 55.1, 41.6, 39.4, 27.8, 26.5, 24.8, 20.2, 17.1, 15.5, 9.3.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 129 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C40H44N6O8S: 768.88. Found (M+H)+: 769.2.

Example 53 Me 57 59 A solution of 57 (130 mg, 0.189 mmol) in dioxane (1 ml), 5.3N HCI/dioxane (1.87 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23 °C for 4h. Then, CH2CI2 (15 ml) and H2O (10 ml) were added to this reaction and the organic layer was decanted. The aqueous phase was hasified with saturated aq sodium bicarbonate (60 ml) (pH = 8) at 0 °C and then, extracted with ethyl acetate (2x50 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (sodium sulphate), and concentrated in vacuo to afford 59 (63 mg, 70%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.15 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l). m NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3). 5 6.67 (s, IH), 5.99 (d, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.10 (bs, IH), 4.32 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, IH), 4.25 (dd, 3.6 Hz, J2= 9.3 Hz, IH), 3.7 (s, 3H), 3.71-3.64 (m, 2 h), 3.50 (dd, 2.4 Hz, Js= 15.9 Hz, IH), 3.42-3.37 (m, 2 h), 3.16 (dd, 3.6 Hz, J2= 12.9 Hz, IH), 2.57 (dd, Ji= 9.3 Hz, Js= 12.9 Hz, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.91 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, Js= 15.9 Hz, IH).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C26H30N4O5: 478.5. Found (M+H)+: 479.3.

Example 54 130 OMe Me C Me Trans-CgH6CIO, Py CH2Cl2.1h,0°C O NH Me 43 Me 0 60 A solution of 43 (20 mg, 0.0338 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), cinnamoyl chloride (5.63 mg , 0.0338 mmol) and pyridine (2.73 ml, lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 60 (22 mg, 90%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.56 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1).

XH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3). 8 7.51 (s, IH), 7.50-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.43 (s, IH), 6.36 (brd, J= 15.9 Hz, 2H), 6.01 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.90 (brd, J= 1.5 Hz, 2H), 5.42 (t, J= 6.0 Hz IH), 4.12-4.07 (m, 3H), 3.96-3.95 (m, IH), 3.73 (bs, 3H), 3.58 (bs, 2H), 3.39 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 3.25 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, IH), 3.0 (dd, Jj= 7.5 Hz, Js= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.78 (d, J= 15.9 Hz, IH), 2.67 (d, J= 16.5 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 6H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 1.82 (dd, Ji= 11.4 Hz, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.83 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) ): 8 172.0, 165.0, 146.9, 144.6, 143.1, 141.0, 140.5, 134.8, 131.0, 129.7, 129.1, 128.8, 127.8, 125.5, 123.8, 123.0, 121.1, 120.5, 117.7, 116.9, 112.8, 112.0, 101.9, 60.6, 59.2, 57.1, 56.4, 55.9, 55.3, 48.8, 41.7, 40.0, 26.5, 25.1, 20.3, 18.5, 15.7, 9.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C40H43N5O8: 721.8. Found (M+H)+: 722.3. 0.0338 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for Example 55 131 OMe OMe Me C CH2CI2,1h, 0°C C3F7COCI, py Me C NH Me 45 61 A solution of 45 (19 mg, 0.0364 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), heptafluorobutyryl chloride ( 5.44 ml, 0.0364 mmol) and pyridine (2.95 ml, 0.0364 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 61 (11.7 mg, 45%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.76 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 6.46 (s, IH), 6.12 (bs, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.93 (d, 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.72 (bs, IH), 4.13-4.11 (m, 2H), 4.0 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.98-3.96 (m, IH), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.39 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 3.39-3.28 (m, 2H), 3.09 (dd, 8.1 Hz, Js= 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.80 (d, J= 16.2 Hz, IH), 2.46 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, Jz= 16.2 Hz, IH).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32H31F7N4O7: 716.6. Found (M+H)+: 717.2. Example 56 132 OMe OMe Me CH2CI2,1h, 0 °C C4H7OCI, Py Me C Me NH H o^yntt—' ■ r\ Me 43 62 A solution of 43 (24 mg, 0.04 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.3 ml), butyryl chloride (4.15 ml, 0.04 mmol) and pyridine (3.28 ml, 0.04 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 62 (24 mg, 90%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.35 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1). iH NMR (300 mh2, cdci3) 6 6.47 (s, IH), 6.10 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, IH), 6.0 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.86 (bs, IH), 5.31 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 4.11-4.06 (m, 3H), 3.85-3.81 (m, IH), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.38 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 3.27-3.22 (m, IH), 3.0 (dd, 7.8 Hz, J2= 17.4 Hz, IH), 2.79 (d, J= 15.3 Hz, IH), 2.63 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Ji= 12.0 Hz, 15.9 Hz, IH), 1.58 (q, J"= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.89 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.76 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C35H43N5O8: 661.64. Found (M+H)+: 662.3 Example 57 PCT/GBO 1/02120 133 OMe Me C OMe Me CH2CI2, 0°, 1h.

C9H7CIO, Py, - C Me 0 \ CN NH Me 45 A solution of 43 (19 mg, 0.0364 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), cinnamoyl chloride (6.06 mg , 0.0364 mmol) and pyridine (2.95 ml, 0.0364 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 63 (20.1 mg, 85%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.65 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1). m NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.39-7.29 (m, 5H), 6.42, (s, IH), 6.01 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.92 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.73 (bs, IH), 5.24 (t, J= 6.8 Hz, IH), 4.12-4.08 (m, 3H), 3.66-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.58 (bs, 3H), 3.36 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 3.29 (d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 2.98 (dd, Ji= 8.1 Hz, 18 Hz, IH), 2.33 (s, 6H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.84 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, J?= 15.9 Hz, IH).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C37H38N4O7: 650.72. Found (M+H)+: 651.2.

Example 58 134 OMe nmiP Me C NH Me Me 43 oVtT Me 0 64 A solution of 43 (20 mg, 0.0338 mmol) in ch2ci2 (0.3 ml), 3-chloropropionyl chloride (3.22 ml , 0.0338 mmol) and pyridine (2.73 ml, 0.0338 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with ch2ci2 (10 ml) and washed sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 64 (20.5 mg, 89%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.32 (EtOAc:Hexane 5:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 6.48 (s, 3H), 6.28 (m, IH), 5.99 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.86 (bs, IH), 5.31 (m, IH), 4.08-4.07 (m, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.72-3.53 (m, 5H), 3.39 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.24 (d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 3.00 (dd, Jj= 8.1 Hz, J2- 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.79 (d, J= 13.5 Hz, IH), 2.50 (t, J= 6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 1.79 (dd, Ji= 12.3 Hz, J2= 14.8 Hz, IH), 0.81 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 3H). with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium Example 59 135 OMe OMe Me C Me Py,CH2CI2,1h, 0 °C butyryl chloride Me C NH Me 0 45 65 A solution of 43 (19 mg, 0.0364 mmol) in CH2CI2 (0.3 ml), butyryl chloride (3.78 ml , 0.0364 mmol) and pyridine (2.95 ml, 0.0364 mmol) were added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for lh and then, the solution was diluted with CH2CI2 (10 ml) and washed with 0.1 N HCI (5 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc:MeOH 20:1) to afford 64 (19 mg, 87%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.60 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 8 6.50 (s, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.75 (s,lH), 5.01 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, IH), 4.10 -4.09 (m, IH), 4.06 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.03-4.02 (m, IH), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.67-3.60 (m, IH), 3.42-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.29 (d, J= 12.0 Hz, IH), 3.02 (dd, Ji= 7.8 Hz, Js= 17.7 Hz, 1H), 2.79 (d, J= 14.1 Hz, IH), 2.56 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.78 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, Js= 15.9 Hz, IH), 1.63 (s, 3H), 1.53-1.46 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.16 (m, 2H), 0.68 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32H38N4O7: 590.67. Found (M+H)+: 591.2.

Example 60 136 OMe OMe Me C A9NO3, CH3CN/H20 17h, 23°C Me C O 50 O 66 To a solution of 50 (31.7 mg, 0.044 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 ml/0.5 ml), AgN03 (225 mg, 1.32 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 17 h. Then brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCOs (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with ch2ci2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si(>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:1) to afford 66 (16 mg, 51%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.26 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1).

!H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 6 7.66-7.42 (m, 4H), 7.20 (bs, IH), 6.44 (s, IH), 5.97 (b, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.90 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.76 (bs, IH), 5.28 (bs, IH), 4.54 (bs, IH), 4.43 (bs, IH), 4.00 (bs, IH), 3.68-3.57 (m, 4H), 3.47 (d, J= 3.3 Hz, IH), 3.40 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, IH), 3.17 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 2.92 (dd, Ji= 8.1 Hz, Js= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.74 (d, J= 17.1 Hz, IH), 2.48 (d, J= 18.6 Hz, IH), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, 16.2 Hz, IH).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C37H38F3N3O8: 709. Found (M+-17): 692.3.

Example 61 PCT/GBO 1/02120 137 OMe OMe Me C Me AgNOa, CH3CN/H20 24h, 23 °C Me C Me NH NH O^y^Y01"3 Me 0 53 Me O 67 To a solution of S3 (57 mg, 0.0828 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 mL/0.5 ml), AgNC>3 (650 mg, 3.81 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 24 h. Then, brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCC>3 (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with ch2ci2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:1) to afford 67 (28 mg, 50%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.28 (EtOAc:MeOH 10:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 6 6.47 (s, IH), 5,97 (s, IH), 5.88 (s, IH), 5.35 (bs, IH), 4.51 (bs, IH), 4.41 (bs, IH), 4.12-4.05 (m, IH), 4.00 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.64 (bs, IH), 3.46 (d, J= 3.3 Hz, IH), 3.34 (d, 11.4 Hz, IH), 3.18 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 2.95 (dd, Ji= 8.4 Hz, J.2= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.70 (d, J= 15.6 Hz, IH), 2.48 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.98 (s, 3H), 1.68 (dd, Jj= 12 Hz, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.86 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C32H37F3N4Q9: 678.66. Found (M+-17): 661.2.

Example 62 To a solution of 48 (32 mg, 0.0529 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 ml/0.5 ml), AgNC>3 (270 mg, 1.58 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 24 h. Then, brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCC>3 (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with CH2CI2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:1) to afford 68 (18 mg, 56%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.40 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1). iH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 6.50 (s, IH), 5.95 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.88 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 4.45 (d, J= 3.3 Hz, IH), 4.38 (s, IH), 4.01 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.78 (m, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.41-3.37 (m, IH), 3.17-3.15 (m, IH), 2.96 (dd, 7.8 Hz, Jf* 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.70 (d, J= 15.3 Hz, IH), 2.40 (d, J= 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 6H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.76-1.65 (m, IH), 1.35-1.25 (m, 2H), 0.89-0.82 (m, IH), 0.69 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.58 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H) Example 63 PCT/GBO 1/02120 139 51 69 To a solution of 51 (27 mg, 0.04 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 ml/0.5 ml), AgNCh (204 mg, 1.19 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 24 h. Then, brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCC>3 (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with ch2ci2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:1) to afford 69 (10 mg, 38%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.38 (EtOAciMeOH 5:1).

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 8 6.48 s, IH), 6.16 (bs, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.89 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.33 (t, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 4.50 (m, IH), 4.40 (m, IH), 4.11-4.09 (m, IH), 4.00 (d, J= 2.6Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.41-3.32 (m, 3H), 3.18 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 2.94 (dd, Ji= 8.4 Hz, J2= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.70 (d, J= 14.4 Hz, IH), 4.45 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.00-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.73 (m, IH), 0.87 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 6H).

Example 64 PCT/GBO 1/02120 140 OMe n Me Me C Me 63 70 To a solution of 63 (15 mg, 0.023 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 ml/0.5 ml), AgNC>3 (118 mg, 0.691 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 24 h. Then, brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCCh (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with ch2ci2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:1) to afford 70 (20.1 mg, 85%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.43 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:1).

XH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 6 7.38-7.28 (m, 5H), 6.48 (s, IH), 5.98 (d, J=1.5 Hz, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.75 (bs, IH), 5.38 (brd, IH), 5.30 (bs, IH), 4.53 (m, IH), 4.42 (m, IH), 4.02 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.78-3.65 (m, 5H), 3.46-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.17 (d, J=7.8 Hz, IH), 2.94 (dd, Jj=7.8 Hz, J2= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.73 (d, J=16.8 Hz, IH), 2.45 (d, J=18.0 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 6H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.97 (s, 3H), 1.77 (dd, Jj= 12.0 Hz, JW5.3 Hz, IH).

Example 65 141 OMe OMe Me C Me NH NH 65 71 To a solution of 65 (25 mg, 0.042 mmol) in ch3cn/h2o (1.5 ml/0.5 ml), AgNC>3 (215.56 mg, 1.269 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 24 h. Then, brine (10 ml) and Aq sat NaHCC>3 (10 ml) were added at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered through a pad of celite and washed with ch2ci2 (20 ml). The solution was decanted and the organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, EtOAc:MeOH 5:2) to afford 71 (16mg, 65%) as a white solid.

Rf: 0.0.5 (EtOAc:MeOH 5:2).

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCb) 8 6.50 (s, IH), 5.95 (d, J=1.5 Hz, IH), 5.78 (s, IH), 5.19 (bs, IH), 4.45 (d, J=3.3 Hz, IH), 4.37 (bs, IH), 4.11 (brd, J=4.8 Hz, IH), 4.01 (d, J=2.1 Hz, IH), 3.76 (s, IH), 3.71-3.69 (m, IH), 3.49-3.35 (m, IH), 3.24 (d, J=13.5 Hz, IH), 3.15 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 2.95 (dd, Ji=8.1 Hz, Js= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.70 (d, J=15.6 Hz, IH), 2.40 (d, J=18.0 Hz, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.75-1.66 (m, IH), 1.52-1.17 (m, 2H), 0.66 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

Fermentation Procedures Example A Seed medium YMP3 containing 1% glucose; 0.25% beef extract; 0.5% bacto-peptone; 0.25% NaCl; 0.8% CaC03 was inoculated with PCT/GBO 1/02120 142 0.1% of a frozen vegetative stock of the microorganism, strain A2-2 of Pseudomonas fluorescens, and incubated on a rotary shaker (250 rpm) at 27°C. After 30 h of incubation, the seed culture was added to a agitated-vessel fermentor with a production medium composed of 2% dextrose; 4% mannitol, 2% dried brewer's yeast (Vitalevor® Biolux, Belgium)-, 1% (NH4)2S04; 0.04% k2hpo4; 0.8 KC1; 0.001% FeCl3; 0.1% L-Tyr; 0.8% COsCa; 0.05% PPG-2000; 0.2% anti-foam silicone (ASSAF-100, RHODIA UK). The sterilisation was carried out at 122°C 30 minutes. The volume inoculated was a 2% (v/v). The temperature was 27°C (0 to 16h) and 24°C from 16h to final process (41 hours). The dissolve oxygen-pressure was upper to 25%. The pH was controlled at 6.0 with diluted sulphuric acid since 28 hours till final process. The overpressure was 0.5 bar. A 1% mannitol or sorbitol was added from 16 h to final process (for two days running) and 2% for three days fermentation-process.

After 41 or 64 hours, the fermentation broth must be extracted for recovery safracin B or KCN treatment in the clarified broth for recovery safracin B - cyano.

Example B Obtention of safracin B cyano from the crude extract.

A clarification or filtration from the fermentation broth at pH 6 removes the solids. The clarified broth was adjusted a pH 9.5 with diluted sodium hydroxide and extracted twice with 2:1 (v/v) ethyl acetate, methylene chloride or butyl acetate. The extraction was carried out into an agitated-vessel during 20', the temperature of the mixture was maintained at 8 to 10CC. The two phases were separated by a liquid-liquid centrifuge. The organic phase was dried with sodium sulphate anhydrous or frozen and then filtered for removing ice. This 143 organic phase (ethyl acetate layer) was evaporated until obtention of an oil-crude extract.

Example C Obtention of safracin B cyano from the clarified broth.

A clarification or filtration from the fermentation broth at pH 6 removes the solids. The clarified broth was adjusted at pH 3.9 with concentrated acetic acid. 0.5 grams per litre of KCN are added to the clarified broth an incubated at 20°C during 1 hour with agitation. Then, the temperature was decreased at 15°C and the pH was adjusted at 9.5 with diluted sodium hydroxide and extracted -with 2:1.5 (v/v) ethyl acetate. The extraction was carried out into an agitated-vessel during 20 minutes, the temperature of the mixture was maintained at 8 to 10°C. The two phases were separated by a liquid-liquid centrifuge. The organic phase was dried with sodium sulphate anhydrous. This organic phase (ethyl acetate layer) was evaporated until obtention of an oil-crude extract. This extract was purified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, gradient 20:1 to 10: to 5:1 ethyl acetate:methanol) to afford quantitatively compound 2 as a light yellow solid.

Rf: 0.55 (ethyl acetate:methanol5:l); .tR= 19.9 min [HPLC, Delta Pack C4, 5pm, 300 A, 150x3 mm, ?i=215 nm, flow= 0.7 ml/min, temp= 50°C, grad.: CH3CN-aq. NaOAc (lOmM) 85% - 70% (20')]; *H NMR (300 Mhz, CDC13): S 6.54 (dd, Ji = 4.4Hz, J2= 8.4 Hz, 1H),6.44 (s, IH), 4.12 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.04 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.87 (bs, IH), 3.65 (ddd, Jj = 1.5 Hz, J2 = 8.7 Hz, J3 = 9.9 Hz, IH), 3.35 (br. D, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.15-2.96 (m, 4H), 2.92 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, IH), 2.47 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H) 1.83 (s, 3H), 1.64 (ddd, Jj = 2.7 Hz, - 11.1 Hz, J3 = 14.1 Hz, 1H), 0.79 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H); 144 13C NMR (75 Mhz, CDC13): 6 186.0 (q), 175.9 (q), 156.2 (q), 146.8 (q), 142.8 (q), 140.7 (q), 136.6 (q), 130.5 (q), 128.8 (q), 127.0 (q), 120.5 (s), 117.4 (q), 116.5 (q), 60.8 (t), 60.4 (s), 58.7 (t), 56.2 (s), 55.7 (s), 54.8 (s), 54.8 (s), 54.4 (s), 50.0 (s), 41.6 (t), 39.8 (d), 25.2 (d), 24.4 (d), 21.2 (t), 15.5 (t), 8.4 (t).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd for C29H35N5O6: 549.6. Found (M+Na)+: 572.3. Example D A medium (50 1) composed of dextrose (2%), mannitol (4%), dry brewer's yeast (2%), ammonium sulphate (1%), potassium secondary phosphate (0.04%), potassium chloride (0.8%), iron (III) chloride 6-hydrate (0.001%), L-tyrosine (0.1%), calcium carbonate (0.8%), polypropylene glycol) 2000 (0.05%) and antifoam ASSAF 1000 (0.2%) was poured into a jar-fermentor with 75 1 total capacity and, after sterilisation, inoculated with seed culture (2%) of A2-2 strain (FERM BP-14) and aerated cultivation under agitation was carried out at 27°C to 24°C for 64 hours (aeration of 75 1 per minute and agitation from 350 to 500 rpm). The pH was controlled by automatic feeding of diluted sulphuric acid from 27 hours to final process. A 2% mannitol was added from 16 hours to final process. The cultured medium (45 1) thus obtained was, after removal of cells by centrifugation, adjusted to pH 9.5 with diluted sodium hydroxide, extracted with 25 litres of ethyl acetate twice. The mixture was carried out into an agitated-vessel at 8°C for 20 minutes. The two phases were separated by a liquid-liquid centrifuge. The organic phases were frozen at -20°C and filtered for removing ice and evaporated ice and evaporated until obtention of a 40 g oil-dark-crude extract. After introduction of the cyanide group and purification, 3.0 grams of safracin B cyano were obtained.

Example E PCT/GBO 1/02120 145 A medium (50 1) composed of dextrose (2%), mannitol (4%), dry brewer's yeast (2%), ammonium sulphate (1%), potassium secondary phosphate (0.02%, potassium chloride (0.2%), Iron (III) chloride 6-hydrate (0.001%, L-tyrosine (0.1%), calcium carbonate (0.8%, polypropylene glycol) 2000 (0.05%) and antifoam ASSAF 1000 (0.2%) was poured into a jar-fermentor with 75 1 total capacity and, after sterilisation, inoculated with seed culture (2%) of A2-2 strain (FERM BP-14) and aerated cultivation under agitation was carried out at 27°C to 24°C for 41 hours (aeration of 75 1 per minute and agitation from 350 to 500 rpm). The pH was controlled by automatic feeding of diluted sulphuric acid from 28 hours to final process., A 1% mannitol was added from 16 hours to final process. The cultured medium (45 1) thus obtained was, after removal of cells by centrifugation, adjusted to pH 3.9 with 200 ml of conc. acetic acid. 25 grams of potassium cyanide 97% were added and after 1 hour of agitation at 20°C, the pH was adjusted to 9.5 with 1500 ml of a solution 10% sodium hydroxide. Then, extracted with 35 litres of ethyl acetate. The mixture was carried out into an agitated -vessel at 8°C for 20 minutes. The two phases were separated by a liquid-liquid centrifuge. The organic phase was dried by sodium sulphate anhydrous and evaporated until obtention of a 60 g oil-dark-crude extract.

After chromatography, 4.9 grams of safracin B cyano were obtained. 146 Example 66 Me Me n 0.

Me. 142 To a stirred solution of 25 (7.83 g, 0.0139 mol) and the commercial available Boc-Cys (Fm) derivative (Bachem) (8.33 g, 35.04 mmol) in dichloromethane (535 mL) under argon, dimethylaminopyridine (4.28 g, 35.04 mmol) and l-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (6.66 g, 35.04 mmol) were added at 23 °C. The mixture was then stirred at 23 °C for 2.5 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (500 mL), the organic phase separated and the aqueous layer back-extracted with dichloromethane (250 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, filtrated and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4 to 2:1 to yield 142 (12.21 g, 93%) as a light yellow solid. Rf = 0.35 Hex:EtOAc 1:1. iH-NMR (300 MHz, cdci3): 5 7.72 (d, J= 7.3, 2.7 Hz 2H), 7.55 (dd, Jj = 14.6, 7.6 2H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 2H), 6.63 (s, IH), 6.08-5.99 (m, IH), 5.91 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.80 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.39 (dd, Ji = 17.3, J2 = 1.7 Hz IH), 5.24 (dd, Ji = 10.5, J2 = 1.7 Hz, IH), 5.09 (AB, J= 4.48 Hz, 2H), 5.07 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, IH), 4.34-4.29 (m, 2H), 4.17 (d, J= 1.9 Hz, IH), 4.16-4.04 (m, 4H), 4.02-3.96 (m, 2H), 3.93 (t, J 147 = 5.3 Hz, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.32 (d, J= 8.0, IH), 3.23-3.17 (m, 2H), 3.0-2.89 (m, 3H), 2.65-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, Ji = 16.3, J2 = 12.7 Hz, IH), 1.45, 1.44 (s, 9H). 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCb): 8 170.9, 155.3, 148.9, 148.6, 146.1, 146.0, 144.7, 141.2, 141.1, 139.4, 134.0, 131.0, 130.1, 127.8, 127.2, 125.2, 125.0, 124.3, 121.3, 121.2, 120.1, 118.1, 117.6, 112.9, 101.4, 99.5, 80.3, 74.2, 65.6, 60.4, 60.1, 57.9, .57.4, 57.2, 57.1, 56.9, 55.6, 53.2, 47.0, 41.8, 41.7, 36.7, 35.3, 28.5, 26.6, 25.3, 15.9, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. For C53H60N4O10S: 945.13. Found (M+l)+: 946.3.

Example 67 Me Me I 142 143 To a stirred solution of 142 (12.01 g, 0.0127 mol) in dichloromethane (318 mL), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) (0.71g, 1.015 mmol) and acetic acid (3.6 mL, 0.176 mol) were added under argon at 23 °C. Then, tributyl tin hydride (10.27 mL, 0.037 mol) was added in a dropwise manner. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 10 minutes. The reaction was then filtered through a silica gel column compacted with hexane. 143 (10.89 g, 95%) was obtained as a yellow solid by 148 subsequent elution with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4, 1:1 to 7:3. Rf = 0.25 Hex:EtOAc 2:1. m NMR (300 MHz, CDCls) 8 7.72 (d, J= 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 7.52 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, IH), 7.37 (t, J= 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 6.63 (s, IH), 5.87 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.76 (d, 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.58 (bs, IH), 5.31 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, IH), 5.17 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, IH), 4.91 (d, J= 8.3Hz, IH), 4.17-4.06 (m, 4-6H), 3.85 (t, J= 5.7 Hz, IH), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.34 (brd, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 3.23 (brd, J= 11.2 Hz, IH), 3.06 (brd, J = 12.9 Hz, IH), 3.04-2.86 (m, 3H), 2.65-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.94 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, J; = 11.5 Hz, J2 = 15:8 Hz, IH), 1.45 (s, 9H).

NMR (75 MHz, CDCla) 8175.3, 170.5, 154.9, 149.1, 147.6, 145.9, 145.8, 145.7, 144.5, 140.9, 140.8, 136.1, 130.9, 127.4, 126.9, 124.3, 124.7, 122.9, 119.7, 117.6, 112.3, 111.4, 106.6, 100.7,99.7, 80.0, 64.2, 60.3, 59.8, 57.6, 57.0, 56.5, 56.4, 55.2, 52.7, 46.7, 46.5, 41.4, 41.3, 36.9, 36.6, 34.9, 28.2, 26.0, 24.9, 20.9, 20.7, 15.7, 14.1, 8.5. ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. For C50H56N4O10S: 905.5. Found (M+l)+: 906.3.

Example 68 Me Ov. 149 > OMe Me ) O^ N rnjla.

Me C 143 144 To a solution of 143 (10 g, 0.011 mol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (185 mL) at -10 °C (bath temperature -15 °C), a solution of dichloromethane (185 mL), discarding any white solid present in the solution. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at the same temperature. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (200 mL) and a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (500 mL) was added at-10 °C. The organic phase was separated, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated to dryness at reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:1, 3:2, 7:3 to 4:1 to obtain 144 (9.34 g, 92%) as a yellow solid. The purified solid from chromatography was dissolved in dichloromethane (250 mL), charcoal (3.3 g) was added and the suspension was stirred at 23 °C for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered through celite and the celite was washed with dichloromethane (80 mL). The solvent was evaporated at reduced pressure maintaining the temperature at 25-30 °C to yield 144 (8.96 g, 88%) as a yellow solid. Rf = 0.30 and 0.25 (mixture of isomers) Hex:EtOAc 1:1. benzeneseleninic anhydride (5.7 g, 0.011 mol) was added in anhydrous XH NMR (300 MHZj cdci3) (mixture of isomers) 8 7.73-7.61 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.30 (m, 4H), 6.62 (s, IH), 6.59 (s, IH), 6.53 (s, IH), 5.72 (s, IH), 5.70 (s, IH), 5.61 (s, IH), 5.55 (bs, IH), 5.34 (m, 2H), 5.08 (AB sist., Jab 150 = 6.7 Hz, IH), 5.00 (AB sist., Jab = 5.9 Hz, IH), 4.67 (m, IH), 4.50 (m, IH), 4.38 (dd, Ji = 4.9 Hz, J2 = 12.9 Hz, IH), 4.21 (dd, Ji = 6.3 Hz, J2 = 12.9 Hz, IH), 4.11 (t, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 4.02 (m, 3H), 3.87 (m, IH), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.72 (m, IH), 3.61 (s, 3H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 3.27 (m, IH), 3.15 (dd, Ji = 1.8 Hz, J2 = 6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 2.94 (m, 4H), 2.86 (m, 2H), 2.42 (m, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.08 (dd, Ji = 2.4 Hz, J2 = 13.9 Hz, IH), 1.77 (s, 3H), 1.76 (s, 3H), 1.43 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) (mixture of isomers) 5 200.6, 171.2, 160.4, 155.6, 148.9, 148.8, 148.3, 145.9, 145.8, 141.3, 141.2, 138.7, 130.9, 127.9, 127.4, 127.3, 127.3, 125.3, 125.1, 124.2, 120.1, 117.1, 111.9, 108.5, 105.0, 104.7, 101.7, 101.3, 99.5, 99.4, 80.5, 72.5, 70.8, 60.5, 60.1, 58.4, 58.0, 57.9, 56.9, 56.8, 56.3, 55.9, 55.5, 55.4, 53.8, 53.7, 47.1, 42.0, 41.8, 41.5, 37.4, 37.3, 35.6, 35.5, 28.5, 25.8, 25.7, 16.1, 16.0, 7.7, 7.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C50H56N4O11S: 921.3. Found (M+l)+: 922.3.

Example 69 1. DMSO, Tf2 2. DIPEA 3. tBuOH 4. N3Me4t-Bu . AC2O, CH2C!2 ,Me NHBoc 9 „ ; ?Me 0===r l Me 145 144 To a solution of DMSO (3.44 mL) in anhydrous dichloromethane (396 mL), triflic anhydride (3.27 mL, 19.45 mmol) was added under argon at -78 °C and the mixture was stirred at -that temperature for 20 minutes. Then, a solution of 144 (8.92 g, 9.6 mmol) in anhydrous 151 dichloromethane (124 mL) at -78 °C was added and the mixture was stirred under argon at -40 °C for 35 minutes. Diisopropylethylamine (13.5 mL, 73.43 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred under argon for 45 minutes at 0 °C. Tert-butanol (3.65 mL, 38.6 mmol) and tert-butyl tetramethyl guanidine (11.6 mL, 67.46 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred under argon for 40 minutes at 23 °C. Acetic anhydride (9.15 mL, 96.78 mmol) was then added and the reaction stirred for a further 1 hour at 23 °C. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (250 mL) and a saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (500 mL) was added. The organic layer was separated and washed sequentially with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (500 mL) and a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (500 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated to diyness at reduced pressure, maintaining the temperature at 25-30 °C. The crude solid was then purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4 to 2:3 to give 145 (4.99 g, 68%) as a yellow solid. Rf = 0.44 Hex:EtOAc 3:2. m NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) (mixture of isomers) 8 6.79 (s, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 6.00 (s, IH), 5.20 (d, J= 5.4 Hz, IH), 5.14 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, IH), 5.02 (d, 11.7 Hz, IH), 4.63 (d, J= 9.0 Hz, IH), 4.50 (m, IH), 4.33 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, IH), 4.30 (m, IH), 4.25 (bs, IH), 4.18 (d, J= 2.4Hz, IH), 4.17 (dd, Ji= 1.3 Hz, J2= 11.7 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 2.93 (m, 2H), 2.35 (m, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.09 (m, IH), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.45 (s, 9H). ). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCls) 8 207.3, 170.9, 168.8, 155.4, 149.8, 148.6, 146.0, 141.1, 140.7, 131.7, 130.6, 125.1, 120.6, 118.3, 113.7, 102.2, 99.4, 80.0, 61.6, 60.4, 59.8, 59.4, 59.2, 57.7, 55.0, 54.7, 54.0, 41.9, 41.6, 33.1, 31.8, 28.7, 23.9, 20.6, 16.1, 14.3, 9.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C38H46N4O11S: 766.86. Found (M+l)+: 767.3. 152 Example 70 Me Me C V_Q CN Me Nat, AlCI3 Me O O NHZ Me CN 145 To a solution of 145 (1.0 g, 1.3 mmol) in acetonitrile (50 mL) and dichloromethane (25 mL), sodium iodide (1.52 g, 10.01 mmol) was added at 23 °C. The mixture was then cooled to 0 °C and aluminium trichloride (1.33 g, 10.01 mmol) was added portionwise maintaining the temperature at 0 °C. The mixture was then stirred for 2.5 hours at 0 °C. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (25 mL) and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium potassium tartrate (100 mL) was added. The aqueous phase is separated and extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 75 mL). A saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (50 mL) was then added to the aqueous phase which was further extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, maintaining the temperature below 25 °C. The crude solid was then purified by column chromatography on amino-silicagel and eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner. 35 (487 mg, 60%) was obtained as a yellow solid. Experimental data of 35 were previously described in PCT/GB00/01852. 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 153 Route 2 Example 71 OMe OMe Me Me H20, THF AcOH, NaN02 NH2 OH 21 146 A solution of 21 (9.84 g, 18.97 mmol) in THF (569 mL) and H2O (285 mL) was cooled at 0°C with an ice bath. Then, NaNC>2 (1.96 g, 28.45 mmol) and 90% aq. AcOH (18.97 mL, 0.33 mol) were added at 0 °C and the mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 18h. After cooling down the reaction to 0°C, a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (300 mL, basic pH) and dichloromethane (500 mL) were added. After extraction, the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 300 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The crude solid was then disolved in MeOH (379 mL), and 1M NaOH (38 mL) was added at 0°C. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 4h. After dilution with EtOAc (600 mL) at 0°C, the organic layer was washed with a mixture of water (400 mL) and , a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (100 mL, basic pH). After extraction, the aqueous phase was further extracted with EtOAc (3 x 300 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (S1O2, Hex:EtOAc gradient from 3:1 to 2:1) to afford 146 (4.55 g, 46%) as a white solid. Rf: 0.33 (HexrEtOAc 1:1).

PCT/GBO 1/02120 154 iH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 6.48 (s, IH), 6.15-6.02 (m, IH), 5.92 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.86 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.77 (s, 1H), 5.39 (dd, Ji » 1.5 Hz, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.26 (dd, Jj = 1.5 Hz, J2 = 10.5 Hz, IH), 4.24-4.15 (m, 3H), 4.04 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.97 (t, J= 3.3 Hz, IH), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.64 (dt, , Ji = 3.3 Hz, , J2 = 11.1 Hz, IH), 3.43 (dd, Ji - 3.3 Hz, J2 = 10.5 Hz, IH), 3.38-3.34 (m, 2H), 3.31 (t, J = 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.22 (dd, Jx = 2.4 Hz, J2 = 15.6 Hz, IH), 3.10 (dd, Jj = 8.1 Hz, , J2= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.49 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.88 (dd, Ji = 12 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH). !3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) 8 148.6, 146.7, 144.4, 143.0, 138.9, 133.9, 130.2, 129.1, 121.1, 120.9, 117.7, 117.4, 116.8, 113.3, 112.3, 101.1, 74.3, 63.7, 60.6, 60.1, 58.1, 56.9, 56.7, 55.4, 41.7, 26.2, 25.7, 15.7, 9.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C29H33N3O6: 519.59. Found (M+l)+: 520.5. Example 72 To a stirred solution of 146 (47.35 g, 0.091 mol) and the commercial available Boc-Cys (Fm) derivative (54.6 g, 0.137 mol) in dichloromethane (2.8 L) under argon, dimethylaminopyridine (5.6 g, 0.046 mol) and l-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (43.6 g, 0.227 mol) were added dropwise during 1.5 h at 23 °C. The mixture was then stirred at 23 °C for 1 more hour. The reaction was quenched by addition of a saturated aqueous sodium OMe OMe HO^Jv^Me 1 HO.,J^Me 146 147 155 bicarbonate solution (1 L) and the organic phase was separated. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 500 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4 to 3:1 to yield 147 (74.3 g, 93%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.5 Hex: EtOAc 1:1.

!H NMR (300 MHz, CDCla) 8 7.73 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.63-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.41 (s, IH), 6.07-5.97 (m, IH), 5.92 (d, J- 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.80 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.67 (s, IH), 5.34 (dd, Jj = 1.8 Hz, J2 - 17.4 Hz, IH), 5.23 (dd, Ji « 1.8 Hz, J2 = 10.5 Hz, IH), 5.04 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 4.32-4.29 (m, IH), 4.13-3.91 (m, 9H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.31 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, IH), 3.26-3.17 (m, 2H), 2.96-2.87 (m, 3H), 2.68-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.83 (dd, Ji = 12.6 Hz, J2= 15.9 Hz, IH), 1.45 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 5 170.9, 155.4, 149.0, 147.1, 146.2, 146.0, 144.7, 143.0, 141.1, 139.4, 134.1, 131.5, 129.1, 127.8, 127.2, 125.0, 121.3, 120.9, 120.1, 118.2, 117.6, 117.2, 112.9, 112.4, 101.4, 80.3, 76.6, 74.4, 65.3, 61.0, 60.4, 57.4, 56.9, 56.7, 55.6, 53.0, 46.9, 41.8, 36.7, 35.3, 31.8, 28.5, 26.6, 25.2, 22.9, 16.0, 14.4, 9.5.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C51H56N4O9S: 900.3. Found (M+l)+: 901.3.

Example 73 156 To a solution of 147 (0.562 g, 0.624 mol) in CH3CN (3.12 mL), MEMC1 (1.07 mL, 9.36 mmol), DIPEA (2.17 mL, 12.48 mmol) and DMAP (0.0076 g, 0.06 mmol) were added at 0°C. The mixture was stirred for 5.5 h at 23°C. The reaction was diluted with ch2ci2 (50 mL) and extracted with 0.1N HCI (50 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted again with ch2ci2 (50 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (ch2ch:EtOAc 10:1, 5:1) to give 148 (539 mg, 87%) as a white solid. Rf= 0.50 ch2cb:AcOEt 6:1.

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCh) 5 7.73-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.57 (dd, Ji = 7.2 Hz, J2 = 15.3 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.26 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 6.08-5.99 (m, 1H), 5.91 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.79 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.35 (dd, Jj = 1.2 Hz, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 5.21 (bs, IH), 5.13 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 5.04 (brd, J= 9 Hz, IH), 4.33-4.29 (m, 2H), 4.16-3.90 (m, 8H), 3.85-3.78 (m, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 3.31 (brd, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.21-3.17 (m, 2H), 2.98-2.88 (m, 3H), 2.64-2.56 (m, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.75 (dd, Ji = 11.7 Hz, J2 = 15-6 Hz, IH), 1.47 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCh) 5 170.5, 155.0, 148.6, 148.5, 148.2, 145.77, 145.6, 144.4, 140.8, 140.7, 139.0, 133.6, 130.7, 130.5, 127.4, 126.9, 124.8, 124.6, 123.8, 120.8, 119.7, 117.8, 117.2, 122.5, 111.9, 101.0, 98.1, 80.0, 77.4, 77.0, 76.6, 73.8, 71.6, 69.2, 65.0, 60.2, 60.0, 59.8, 59.0, 56.8, 56.7, 56.6, 55.2, 52.7, 46.6, 41.3, 36.2, 34.9, 29.6, 28.2, 26.3,24.9,15.6,14.1,9.0. 157 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C55H64N4O11S: 988.4. Found (M+l)+: 989.3.

Example 74 To a stirred solution of 148 (38.32 g. 0.039 mol) in dichloromethane (1 L), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) (2.17 g, 0.0031 mol) and acetic acid (11.1 mL, 0.195 mol) were added under argon at 23 °C. Then, tributyl tin hydride (36.5 mL, 0.136 mol) was added in a dropwise manner. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 15 minutes. The reaction was then filtered through a silica gel column compacted with hexane. 149 (35.07 g, 95%) was obtained as a white solid by subsequent elution with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 0:100, 1:4, 1:3, 2:5, 2:3, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 to 100:0. Rf = 0.25 Hex:EtOAc 2:1. m NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 7.74 (d, 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.63-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.27 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 5.87 (m, IH), 5.75 (s, IH), 5.69 (bs, IH), 5.37 (d, J= 6 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, IH), 4.96 158 (d, J- 8.1 Hz, IH), 4.44 (brd, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 4.18-3.70 (m, 11H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 3.34-3.18 (m, 3H), 2.99-2.88 (m, 3H), 2.63-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.78 (dd, Ji = 12.9 Hz, J2 = 15.6.3 Hz, IH), 1.41 (s, 9H). *3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 5 170.8, 155.2, 149.0, 148.0, 146.2, 146.0, 144.8, 141.1, 136.4, 131.3, 131.2, 127.8, 127.2, 125.1, 125.0, 123.2, 120.0, 118.1, 112.6, 111.6, 107.2, 101.0, 98.9, 98.8, 80.3, 71.8, 69.8, 64.9, 60.6, 60.2, 59.2, 57.1, 56.9, 55.5, 53.0, 47.0, 46.9, 41.8, 37.0, 35.3,28.5,26.2,25.2,21.9,21.3,16.1,14.4,9.0.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C52H60N4O11S: 948.4. Found (M+l)+: 949.3.

Example 75 OMe OMe Me C 149 150 159 To a solution of 149 (15 g, 0.0158 mol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (265 mL) at-10 °C (bath temperature -15 °C), a solution of benzeneseleninic anhydride (7.4 g, 0.0143 mol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (265 mL) was added dropwise during 30 minutes, discarding any white solid present in the solution. The mixture was stirred for a further 10 minutes at the same temperature. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane (200 mL) and a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (500 mL) was added at-10 °C. The organic phase was separated, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated to dryness at reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:2 to 100:0 to obtain 150 (14.20 g, 89%) as a yellow solid. The purified solid from chromatography is dissolved in dichloromethane (250 mL) and charcoal (4.95 g) was added. The suspension was then stirred at 23 °C for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and the celite was washed with dichloromethane (80 mL). The solvent was evaporated at reduced pressure to yield 150 (13.72 g, 86%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.37 Hex: EtOAc 1:2. iH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) (mixture of isomers) 5 7.73 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 4H), 7.63 (m, 2H), 7.54 (d, J= 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 4H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 4H), 6.62 (s, 2H), 5.86 (s, IH), 5.81 (s, IH), 5.75 (s, IH), 5.72 (s, IH), 5.70 (s, IH), 5.35 (d, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.30 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.22 (d, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.13 (d, J= 5.9 Hz, IH), 4.97 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 4.20-4.01 (m, 8H), 3.97-3.86 (m, 4H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.80-3.74 (m, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.66-3.64 (m, 4H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 3.34-2.90 (m, 8H), 2.60-2.31 (m, 4H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.97 (s, 3H), 1.94-1.81 (m, 2H), 1.77 (s, 3H), 1.43 (s, 9H), 1.41 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) (mixture of isomers) 5 200.2, 198.3, 170.7, 170.5, 160.0, 155.2, 154.9, 148.5, 148.4, 145.5, 142.1, 140.9, 138.3, 160 130.9, 130.5, 130.0, 129.8, 127.5, 126.9, 125.0, 124.9, 124.7, 123.8, 122.5, 119.8, 117.2, 116.7, 111.5, 108.1, 104.6, 104.3, 101.3, 100.9, 98.0, 80.1, 72.1, 71.5, 70.5, 69.2, 69.0, 66.4, 63.5, 60.7, 60.1, 59.6, 58.9, 58.8, 58.0, 56.7, 56.4, 56.2, 55.9, 55.5, 55.0, 53.5, 46.7, 41.7, 41.3, 41.1, 36.9, 35.2, 35.1, 31.4, 28.1, 25.4, 25.3, 22.5, 15.7, 15.6, 14.0, 7.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C52H60N4O12S: 964.4. Found: 965.3 (M+l)+, 987.3 (M+23)+.

Example 76 The reaction flask was flamed twice, purged vacuum/Argon several times and kept under Argon atmosphere for the reaction. To a solution of DMSO (385.0 pL) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (42 mL) was dropwise added triflic anhydride (366.5 \xL, 2.16 mmol) at -78 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 20 minutes. Then, a solution of 150 (1 g, 1.03 mmol) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (10 mL, for the main addition and 5 mL for washing) was added via canula (addition time: 5 min) at -78 °C. During the addition the temperature, was kept at -78 °C in both flasks and the color changed from yellow to brown. The reaction mixture was stirred at -40 °C for 35 minutes. During this period of time the solution was turned from yellow to dark green. After this time, iP^NEt (1.51 mL, 9.55 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 0 °C for 45 minutes, the color of the solution turned brown during this time.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 161 Then, tBuOH (409.5 IL, 4.33 mmol) and ferf-butyl tetramethyl guanidine (1.31 mL, 7.61 mmol) were dropwise added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 40 minutes. After this time, acetic anhydride (1.03 mL, 10.89 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 23 °C for 1 hour more. Then, the reaction mixture was diluted with ch2ci2 (25 mL) and washed with aqueous saturated solution of nh4ci (50 mL), NaHCCb (50 mL), and NaCl (50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (inner diameter: 2.0 cm, height of silica: 9 cm; eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane in a gradient manner, from 20:80, 30:70 to 40:60) to afford 151 (832.6 mg, 99%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.48 Hex:EtOAc 3:2. iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCh) 8 6.78 (s, IH), 6.09 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.99 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.32 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, IH), 5.19 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, IH), 5.01 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, IH), 4.62 (d, J= 9.8 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (bs, IH), 4.34 (d, J= 5.1 Hz, IH), 4.28 (dd, Ji = 2.4 Hz, J2 = 6.8 Hz, IH), 4.24 (s, IH), 4.17 (m, 2H), 3.90 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.58 (t, J= 4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.42-3.37 (m, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.36-2.08 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCh) 8 170.9, 168.9, 168.0, 155.4, 149.8, 148.6, 146.0, 141.1, 140.6, 131.6, 131.1, 130.6, 129.0, 125.1, 120.6, 118.3, 102.2, 98.4, 79.9, 71.9, 69.4, 61.6, 60.4, 59.8, 59.4, 59.2, 54.9, 54.7, 54.0, 41.6, 30.6, 29.1, 28.7, 23.9, 23.2, 20.6, 16.1, 14.2, 11.2, 9.8. ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C40H50N4O12S: 810.91. Found (M+l)+: 811.3.

Example 77 PCT/GBO 1/02120 162 ,OMe NH2 NHBoc 0 Me Me MeS03H Me.

Me.

CH2C12 0' O \~0 CN \_0 CN 151 To a solution of 151 (2.9 g, 3.57 mmol) in CH2CI2 (120 mL), MeSCteH (1.4 mL, 21.46 mmol) was added at 23°C. After stirring the reaction for 30 minutes at 23°C, a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (200 mL) was added at 0 °C. The organic phase was separated, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated to dryness at reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 0:1 to 1:0 to obtain 35 (1.43 g, 64%) as a pale yellow solid. Experimental data of 35 was previously decribed in PCT/GBOO/01852. 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

Route 3 The first step of this Route (transformation of 21 into 146) was described above in Example 71.

Example 78 163 HO" -V O NH3CI s Na2C03, BnCC^Cl acetone, H20 O NHCbz HO.Cys(Fm)-H.HCI To a solution of the commercial available HO.Cys(Fm)-H.HCl (Bachem) (40 g, 0.119 mol) in acetone (500 mL) and water (500 mL), 1M NazCOa solution (238 mL) and BnCOaCl (18.7 mL, 0.131 mol) were added at 0°C. After stirring the reaction at 60°C for 30 minutes, the mixture was quenched with IN HCI (pH 0 1) and extracted with eter (3 x 400 mL). The organic phase was separated, dried over magnesium sulphate filtered and concentrated to diyness at reduced pressure. The crude solid was disolved in a mixture of EtOAc/CHaCb 1:1, precipitated with hexane and kept at 4°C overnight. Then, the suspension was filtered off, the solid washed with hexane (200 mL) and the filtrate was dried in vacuo to afford 152 (50.16 g, 97%) as a white solid. m NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 10.66 (bs, IH), 7.74 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.69-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.62-7.29 (m, 9H), 5.67 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 5.14 (bs, 2H), 4.70-4.64 (m, IH), 4.09-4.05 (m, IH), 3.12-3.09 (m, 2H). isc NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) 6 175.2, 155.9, 145.5, 141.0, 135.8, 128.5, 128.2, 128.1, 127.5, 127.0, 124.7, 119.8, 84.8, 67.3, 46.8, 37.0. ESI-MS m/z: Calcd, for C25H23NO4S: 433.52. Found (M+l)+: 434.4.

Example 79 To a stirred solution of 146 (10 g, 19.2 mmol) and 152 (12.5 g, 28.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (800 mL) under argon, dimethylaminopyridine (705 mg, 5.77 mmol), l-[3-(Dimethylamino)propylj-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (9.2 g, 48.1 mmol) and diisopropylethy amine (7.4 mL, 42.3 mmol) were added dropwise during 1 h at 0 °C. The mixture was then stirred at 23 °C for 1.5 more hour. The reaction was quenched by addition of a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (600 mL). The organic phase was separated and washed again with a saturated aqueous amonium chloride solution (500 mL) and a saturated sodium chloride solution (500 mL). The organic extract were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (RP18, CH3CN:H20 4:1) to yield 153 (13.89 g, 77%) as a pale yellow solid. iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCb) 5 7.74-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.37-7.24 (m, 9H), 6.39 (s, IH), 6.09-5.96 (m, IH), 5.90 (s, IH), 5.84 (s, IH), 5.78 (s, IH), 5.34 (dd, Ji = 1.5 Hz, J2 = 17.4 Hz, IH), 5.32 (bs, IH), 5.24 (dd, Ji = 1.5 Hz, J2 = 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.17-5.07 (m, 2H), 4.40 (dd, Ji = 3.6 Hz, J2 = 10.8 Hz, IH), 4.30 (m, IH), 4.18-4.01 (m, 6H), 3.92 (brt, J = 6.3 Hz, IH), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.30-3.19 (m, 3H), 2.99-2.85 (m, 3H), 2.65 (dd, Ji = 4.5 Hz, J2 = 14.4 Hz, IH), 2.55 (d, J= 18.3 Hz, IH), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.86 (dd, Ji = 11.7 Hz, J2 = 15.9 Hz, IH).

PCT/GBO 1/02120 165 «C NMR (75 MHz, CDCh) 6 170.2, 155.6, 148.6, 146.8, 145.7, 145.6, 144.3, 142.6, 140.7, 139.0, 133.7, 131.1, 128.8, 128.4, 128.1, 128.0, 127.4, 126.9, 124.7, 124.6, 121.0, 120.5, 119.7, 117.8, 117.3, 116.8, 112.5, 112.0, 101.0, 74.1, 67.0, 64.7, 60.7, 59.9, 57.0, 56.6, 56.3, 55.2, 53.1, 46.5, 41.4, 36.4, 34.8, 26.2, 24.8, 15.6, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for c54h54n4o9s: 934.36. Found (M+l)+: 935.4.

Example 80 To a solution of 153 (13.89 g, 14.85 mmol) in ch3cn (74.3 mL), MEMC1 (25.4 mL, 223 mmol), DIPEA (52 mL, 297 mmol) and DMAP (0.181 g, 0.15 mmol) were added at 0°C. The mixture was stirred for 5 h at 23°C. The reaction was diluted with ch2ci2 (400 mL) and extracted with 0. IN HCI (300 mL) and 3N HCI (pH = 3). The aqueous phase was extracted again with ch2ci2 (2 x 50 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (SiCh, CH2Cl2:EtOAc 10:1, 5:1) to give 154 (13.47 g, 88%) as a white solid. Rf= 0.27 CH2Cl2:AcOEt 6:1. 153 154 IH NMR (300 MHz, CDCh) 5 7.73-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.22 (m, 9H), 6.59 (s, IH), 6.08-5.98 (m, IH), 5.89 (s, IH), 5.77 (s, IH), 5.35 (d, J= 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.31-5.28 (m, IH), 5.23 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 166 .13 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 5.12-5.05 (m, 2H), 4.37-4.29 (m, 2H), 4.15-3.77 (m, 9H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.58-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 3.30-3.27 (m, IH), 3.21-3.16 (m, 2H), 2.96-2.84 (m, 4H), 2.64-2.58 (m, IH), 2.55 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.75 (dd, Ji = 12.3 Hz, J2 = 16.2 Hz, IH). we NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 6 171.9, 170.2, 155.5, 148.7, 148.6, 148.3, 145.8, 145.7, 144.5, 142.1, 140.9, 139.1, 136.1, 133.8, 130.8, 130.5, 128.5, 128.3, 128.1, 127.6, 127.0, 124.9, 124.7, 123.9, 122.2, 120.9,. 119.8, 117.8, 117.3, 112.6, 112.0, 101.1, 98.2, 74.0, 71.7, 69.3, 67.1, 65.1, 60.1, 59.8, 59.0, 56.9, 56.8, 56.7, 55.3, 53.3, 46.7, 41.4, 36.5, 35.0, 31.6, 29.7, 26.4, 25.0, 22.6, 15.7, 14.1, 9.2.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C58H62N4O11S: 1023.2. Found (M+23)+: 1046.3.

Example 81 To a stirred solution of 154 (20.84 g. 0.02 mol) in dichloromethane (530 mL), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) (1.14 g, 1.63 mmol) and acetic acid (11.64 mL, 0.2 mol) were added under argon at 23 °C. Then, tributyltin hydride (27.44 mL, 0.1 mol) was added in a dropwise manner. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 15 minutes. The reaction was then filtered through a silica gel column compacted with hexane. 155 (18.78 g, 94%) was obtained as a pale yellow solid by subsequent elution with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4, 1:1, 3:2 to 7:3. 154 155 PCT/GBO 1/02120 167 iH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 7.71 (d, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 7.53 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.23 (m, 9H), 6.60 (s, IH), 5.87 (bs, 2H), 5.74 (s, IH), 5.40 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 5.33 (d, J= 5.8 Hz, IH), 5.18 (d, J= 9 Hz, IH), 5.09 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.97 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 4.56 (dd, Ji - 3 Hz, J2 = 11-1 Hz, IH) 4.19 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.16-3.87 (m, 9H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 3.32-3.20 (m, 3H), 2.96-2.87 (m, 3H), 2.62-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.97 (s, 3H), 1.82 (dd, Jj = 13.2 Hz, J2 = 15.6 Hz, IH). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCh) 5 170.0,. 155.4, 149.0, 147.5, 145.7, 145.6, 144.4, 140.8, 135.9, 130.9, 128.4, 128.1, 128.0, 127.4, 126.9, 124.7, 124.6, 122.7, 119.7, 117.7, 112.4, 111.4, 100.6, 98.7, 71.5, 69.4, 67.0, 64.9, 63.9, 59.7, 59.6, 58.8, 57.0, 56.5, 56.4, 55.1, 54.9, 53.1, 52.5, 46.5, 41.4, 36.8, 34.9, 25.8, 24.7, 15.7, 8.7.

Example 82 To a solution of 155 (18.5 g, 18.82 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (530 mL) at-10 °C (bath temperature -15 °C), a solution of benzeneseleninic anhydride (9.68 g, 18.82 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (290 mL) was added dropwise, discarding any white solid present in the solution. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at the same temperature. The reaction was then quenched with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (600 mL). The 168 organic phase was separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 300 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, fitltered, and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography, eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:1, 3:2, 7:3 to 4:1 to obtain 156 (17.62 g5 88%) as a pale yellow solid.

NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) (mixture of isomers) 6 7.73 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.29 (m, 9H), 6.59 (s, IH), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.68 (s, IH), 5.66 (s, IH), 5.58 (s, IH), 5.56 (s, IH), 5.23 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1H), 5.15-5.05 (m, 4H), 4.76-4.68 (m, IH), 4.64-4.55 (m, IH), 4.40-4.37 (m, IH), 4.15-3.68 (m, 8H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 3.25-2.78 (m, 7H), 2.38-2.24 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.09 (m, IH), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.77 (s, 3H), 1.58 (s, 3H). ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C55H58N4O12S: 999.13. Found (M+l)+: 1000.0.

Example 83 OMe MEMO. Me 1. DMSO, Tf2 2. DIPEA 3. tBuOH 4. N3Me4t-Bu . AC2O, CH2CI2 .OMe 156 NHCbz 0 AcO\ k T If ^O CN 157 The reaction flask was flamed twice, purged vacuum/Argon several times and kept under Argon atmosphere for the reaction. To a solution of DMSO (178 pL) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (20 mL) was dropwise added triflic anhydride (169 }iL, 1 mmol) at -78 °C. The reaction mixture was 169 stirred at -78 °C for 20 minutes. Then, a solution of 156 (0.5 g, 0.5 mmol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (4 mL, for the main addition and 1.5 mL for washing) was added via canula (addition time: 5 min) at -78 °C. During the addition the temperature was kept at -78 °C in both flasks and the color changed from yellow to brown. The reaction mixture was stirred at -40 °C for 35 minutes. During this period of time the solution was turned from yellow to dark green. After this time, 'P^NEt (0.7 mL, 4.42 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 0 °C for 45 minutes, the color of the solution turned brown during this time. Then tBuOH (189 |iL, 2 mmol) and tert-butyl tetramethyl guanidine (0.6 mL, 3.49 mmol) were dropwise added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 40 minutes. After this time, acetic anhydride (0.47 mL, 4.97 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 23 °C for 1 hour more. Then, the reaction mixture was diluted with ch2ci2 (15 mL) and washed with aqueous saturated solution of NH4C1 (25 mL), NaHCC>3 (25 mL), and NaCl (25 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (inner diameter: 2.0 cm, height of silica: 9 cm; eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4, 1:3, 1:2 to 1:1) to afford 157 (128 mg, 30%) as a light yellow solid. Rf = 0.37 Hex:EtOAc 3:2. iH NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 8 7.37 (bs, 5H), 6.66 (s, IH), 6.09 (s, IH), 5.99 (s, IH), 5.30 (d, 5.4 Hz, IH), 5.17 (d, J = 6 Hz, IH), 5.06 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, IH), 5.00 (s, IH), 4.83 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 4.50 (s, IH), 4.34-4.17 (m, 7H), 3.90-3.87 (m, 2H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.65-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 2.89-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.15-2.04 (m, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.99 (s, 3H).

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C43H48N40i2S: 844.93. Found (M+l)+: 845.8. Example 84 170 .OMe NHCbz NHCbz O Me Nal, TMSCI Me Me. ch2ci2, ch3cn 0 158 157 To a solution of 157 (100 mg, 0.118 mmol) in ch2ci2 (2 mL) and ch3cn (2 mL), Nal (71 mg, 0.472 mmol) and TMSCI (60 DL, 0.472 mmol) were added at 0°C. After stirring the reaction at 23°C for 50 minutes, the mixture was quenched with water (30 mL) and extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic phases were washed successively with a saturated solution of NaCl (20 mL) and a saturated solution of sodium ditionite (20 mL), dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane gradient from 1:4, 1:2 to 1:1) to afford 158 (62 mg, 70%) as white solid. Rf = 0.21 Hex:EtOAc 1:1.

*H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.36 (bs, 5H), 6.44 (s, IH), 6.07 (d, 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.97 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.81 (bs, IH), 5.10-5.00 (m, 3H), 4.82 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 4.49 (bs, IH), 4.35-4.30 (m, IH), 4.21-4.17 (m, 2H), 4.16-4.14 (m, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.41-3.36 (m, 2H), 2.88-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.24-2.03 (m, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCls) 8 170.5, 168.8, 155.9, 148.3, 146.0, 143.1, 141.2, 140.6, 136.6, 130.6, 130.0, 128.8, 128.7, 128.5, 121.0, 120.3, 118.3, 118.2, 113.7, 113.6, 102.2, 67.2, 61.5, 60.8, 60.3, 59.6, 59.5, 54.8, 54.7, 54.1, 41.9, 41.6, 32.9, 23.9, 20.8, 15.5, 9.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C39H40N4O10S: 756.82. Found (M+l)+: 757.3.

Example 85 171 NH2 NHCbz Me C ^—O Pd/C, HC02H Me, MeOH O \-o CN Me CN 158 To a solution of 158 (100 mg, 0.132 mmol) in MeOH (6.8 mL), hco2h (360 pL) and 10% Pd/C (140 mg, 0.132 mmol) were added at 23 °C and the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. Then, toluene (7 mL) was added to the reaction and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The azeotropic destination with toluene was repeated 3 times. The residue was then diluted with dichloromethane (15 mL) and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (15 mL) was added. The aqueous phase was separated and extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was then purified by flash column chromatography on amino-silicagel and eluting with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:2, 1:1 to 2:1 to give 35 (57 mg, 70%) as a yellow solid. Experimental data of 35 were previously described in PCT/GB00/01852. 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

Route 4 The first step of this Route (transformation of 21 into 146) was described above in Example 71.

Example 86 PCT/GBO 1/02120 M OMe Me TBDPSCI, Imd.

DMAP, DMF Me OH OTBDPS 146 159 To a solution of 146 (18 mg, 0.032 mmol), cat. DMAP and imidazole (5 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (0.05 mL) at 0°C, tert-buthyldiphenylsilyl chloride (12.5 |xL, 0.048 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for 4 hours at 23°C.Then, water (30 mL) was added at 0°C and the mixture was extracted with Hex:EtOAc 1:10 (2 x 40 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was puified by flash column chromatography (SiC>2, Hex:EtOAc 3:1) to afford 159 (27 mg, 88%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.29 Hex:EtOAc 3:1.

XH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 7.72-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.20 (m, 8H), 6.46 (s, IH), 6.16-6.00 (m, IH), 5.77 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.71 (s, IH), 5.63 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.24 (dd, Ji = 1.2 Hz, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.23 (dd, Ji = 1.2 Hz, J2= 10.2 Hz, IH), 4.18 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.13-4.00 (m, 4H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.63 (dd, Ji = 2.4 Hz, J2 - 7.5 Hz, IH), 3.39-3.19 (m, 4H), 2.99 (dd, Ji - 8.1 Hz, J2 = 18.0 Hz, IH), 2.68 (d, J= 17.7 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.99 (dd, Ji = 12.6 Hz, J2 « 16.3 Hz, IH), 0.89 (s, 9H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCh) 8 148.3, 146.6, 144.0, 142.5, 139.0, 135.7, 135.4, 133.9, 133.6, 132.2, 131.2, 129.5, 129.4, 128.3, 127.5, 127.4, 121.8, 120.9, 118.7, 117.3, 117.2, 112.9, 111.7, 100.8, 74.2, 68.0, 61.6, 60.6, 60.3, 59.0, 57.4, 56.7, 55.4, 41.7, 29.6, 26.6, 26.5, 25.5, 18.9, 15.8, 9.3.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C45H5iN306Si: 757.9. Found (M+l)+: 758.4. 173 Example 87 OMe Me Me Me MOMBr, CH3CN DIPEA, DMAP OTBDPS OTBDPS 159 26 To a solution of 159 {2.4 g, 3.17 mmol) in CH3CN (16 mL), MOMBr (2.6 mL, 31.75 mmol), DIPEA (8.3 mL, 47.6 mmol) and DMAP (16 mg, 0.127 mmol) were added at 0°C. The mixture was stirred for 6 h at 23°C. The reaction was diluted with CH2CI2 (50 mL) and extracted with 0. IN HCI (50 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted again with CH2CI2 (50 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a residue which was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, CH2Cl2:EtOAc 15:1, 5:1) to give 26 (1.78 g, 70%) as a white solid. Experimental data of 26 were described previously in PCT/GB00/01852.

Experimental procedures for Int. 11, 160, 161, 162, and 163 were previously described in U. S. Patent No 5,721,362. 174 Example 88 Me AllocHN AllocHN Me Me Me.

TMSCI, Nal Me O CH2C12, CH3CN O CN \-0 CN 163 164 To a solution of 163 (15.8 g, 0.02 mol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (250 mL) and acetonitrile (300 mL), Nal (31.5 g, 0.21 mol) and C1TMS (freshly distilled over CaH2,26.7 mL, 0.21 mol) were added under argon atmosphere at 23°C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 40 minutes. Then the reaction was partitioned between ch2ci2 (200 mL) and water (300 mL). The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl (2 x 300 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography using ethyl acetate/hexane 2:3 as eluent to afford 164 (10.74 g, 76%) as a pale yellow solid. Rf = 0.25 Hex:EtOAc 3:2. iH NMR (300 MHz, CDCh) 8 6.57 (s,lH), 6.08 (d, J - 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.98 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 5.96-5.85 (m, IH), 5.76 (bs, IH), 5.30 (dd, Jj = 1.5, J2= 17.3 Hz, IH), 5.23 (dd, Jj = 1.5, J2 = 10.2 Hz, IH), 5.00 (d, J= 12.1 Hz, IH), 4.81 (d, J= 9.8 Hz, IH), 4.58-4.45 (m, 3H), 4.34-4.28 (m, IH), 4.23 (m, 2H), 4.17-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.40-3.38 (m, 2H), 2.91-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.24-2.23 (m, 2H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13)S 170.1, 168.4, 155.2, 148.0, 145.5, 142.8, 140.7, 140.1, 132.7, 130.2, 129.6, 120.7, 119.9, 117.8, 113.3, 101.9, PCT/GBO 1/02120 175 65.6, 61.0, 60.4, 59.9, 59.2, 59.0, 54.3, 53.6, 41.5, 41.2, 32.6, 29.5, 23.5, 20.4, 15.6, 9.4.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C35H38N4O10S: 706.76. Found (M+l)+: 707.2. Example 89 To a stirred solution of 164 (2 g. 2.85 mmol) in dichloromethane (142 mL), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) (0.2 g, 0.28 mmol) > and acetic acid (0.65 mL, 11.4 mmol) were added under argon at 23 °C. Then, tributyltin hydride (4.51 mL, 17.02 mmol) was added in a dropwise manner during 25 minutes. After addition of HsnBu3, the mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 20 minutes more. The reaction was filtered through a silical gel column compacted with hexane. 35 (1.38 g, 78%) was obtained by subsequent elution with mixtures of ethyl acetate and hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:2 to 15:1. Experimental data of 35 were previously described in PCT/GB00/01852. 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

Route 5 The first step of this Route (transformation of 21 into 146) was described above in Example 71. 164 Example 90 176 M OMe Me imidazol, TBDMSCI DMAP, DMF Me OH OTBDMS 146 165 To a solution of 146 (8.72 g, 16.78 mmol) in DMF (20.1 mL), imidazol (3.43 g, 50.34 mmol), tert-butyl dimethyl chlorosilane (7.58 mL, 50.34 mmol) and DMAP (0.2 g, 1.7 mmol) were added at 0°C. After being stirred at 23°C for 3.5 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc/Hex 1:3 (2 x 75 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with 0.1 M HCI (50 mL) and the aqueous phase was extracted again with EtOAc/Hex 1:3 (40 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Hex:EtOAc 10:1, 3:1) to obtain 165 (9.85 g, 93%) as a white solid. Rf= 0.39 in Hex:AcOEt 2:1. m NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) □ 6.43 (s,lH), 6:15-6.03 (m, IH), 5.92 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.84 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.67 (s, IH), 5.41 (dd, Ji » 1.5, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.26 (dd, Ji = 1.5, J2 = 10.5 Hz, IH), 4.44 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.20-4.08 (m, 3H), 3.97 (dd, Ji = 2.7, J2 = 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.61 (dd, Ji = 2.71, J2 = 9.9 Hz, IH), 3.18 (brd, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 3.22-3.16 (m, 2H), 2.99 (dd, Jj = 8.1, 17.4 Hz, IH), 2.65 (d, J= 17.4 Hz, 1 H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.89 (dd, Jj = 12, Js= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.8 (s, 9H), -0.05 (s, 3H), -0.09 (s. 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) □ 148.2, 146.5, 143.8, 142.4, 138.9, 133.8, 131.0, 128.0, 121.5, 120.4, 118.4, 117.1, 112.8, 111.6, 100.7, 74.0, 68.2, 61.5, 60.2, 58.6, 57.1, 56.5, 55.2, 41.3, 26.2, 25.4, 25.2, 20.6, 17.8, 15.3, 13.8, 9.0, -3.9, -6.0.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 177 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C35H47N3O6S1: 633.85. Found (M+l)+: 634.2.

Example 91 OMe MEMO^ ^Me CN "OTBDMS CN OTBDMS 165 166 To a solution of 165 (7.62 g, 12.02 mmol) in THF (87.64 mL) and water (0.24 mL), MEMC1 (2.33 mL, 20.43 mmol) was added at -6°C. After addition of 60% NaH (0.72 g, 18.03 mmol) in portions over 45 min, the mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at that temperature. The reaction was quenched with water (150 mL) and extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give 166 (8.69 g, 100%) as a white solid which was used in following steps with no further purification. Rf= 0.24 Hex: AcOEt 2:1.

*H NMR (300 MHz, cdci3) 5 6.64 (s, IH), 6.16-6.05 (m,lH), 5.92 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.85 (d, J- 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.41 (dd, Jj = 1.51, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.29-5.24 (m, 2H), 5.14 (d, J= 6Hz, IH), 4.42 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.21-4.06 (m, 3H), 4.01-3.95 (m, 2H), 3.88-3.82 (m, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.64-3.57 (m, 3H), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.29 (brd J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 3.25-3.15 (m, 2H), 3.00 (dd, Ji = 8.1, J2 = 17.4 Hz, IH), 2.65 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.82 (dd Jj = 12, J2= 15.6 Hz, IH), 0.79 (s, 9H), -0.06 (s, 3H), -0.11 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, cdci3) 6 148.4, 148.1, 144.1, 139.2, 133.9, 130.9, 130.8, 130.2, 128.8, 125.1, 124.2, 121.5, 118.8, 117.45, 113.0, 111.9, PCT/GBO 1/02120 178 101.0, 98.2, 74.1, 71.7, 69.3, 68.3, 61.7, 59.6, 59.0, 58.9, 57.3, 57.1, 55.5, 41.6, 29.7, 26.4, 25.8, 25.5, 25.4, 15.7, 9.2, -5.6, -5.6.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CagHssNsOsSi: 721.3. Found (M+l)+: 722.3.

Example 92 166 167 To a solution of 166 (10.76 g, 14.90 mmol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (275 mL), Pd(PPh3P)2Cl2 (837 mg, 1.19 mmol), acetic acid (4.26 mL, 74.5 mmol) and tributyltin hydride (11.85 mL, 44.7 mmol) were added under Argon atmosphere at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 15 minutes. (TLC AcOEt/Hexane 1:1 showed no starting material). Hexane (100 mL) was added and the mixture was poured into a flash column chromatography, (SiC>2, EtOAc:Hexane in a gradient manner, from 0:100, 1:4, 2:3 to 1:1) to afford 167 (9.95 g, 98%) as a yellow solid. Rf = 0.42 Hex:EtOAc 3:7. iH-RMN (300 MHz, cdci3): 5 6.63 (s, IH), 5.89 (d, J= 1.4 Hz, IH), 5.79 (d, J= 1.4 Hz, IH), 5.76 (m, IH), 5.38 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, IH), 4.53 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.17 (dd, Jj = 1.95 Hz, J2 = 6.05 Hz, IH), 4.11 (dd, Ji = 7.0 Hz, J2 « 12.5 Hz, IH), 4.01-3.92 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.67 (m, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.29 (m, IH), 3.24-3.13 (m, 3H), 2.99 (dd, Ji « 8.0 Hz J2 = 17.5 Hz, IH), 2.67 (d, J = 17.5 Hz, IH), 2.28 PCT/GBO 1/02120 179 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.80 (dd, Ji = 11.2 Hz, J2 = 14.9 Hz, IH), 0.82 (s, 9H), -0.03 (s, 3H), -0.07 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (75 MHz, CDCh): 8 148.4, 147.3, 145.5, 144.1, 136.2, 134.9, 134.8, 130.9, 130.2, 124.8, 123.1, 118.6, 112.8, 112.1, 106.2, 100.4, 98.4, 71.5, 69.2, 68.9, 61.7, 59.6, 58.7, 58.6, 56.9, 56.6, 55.3, 41.5, 29.5, 25.7, 25.3, 17.9, 15.5, 8.7, -5.7, -5.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CaeHsiNsOgSi: 681.89. Found (M+l)+: 682.3. HPLC: Conditions: Column: Symmetry C18; mobile phase: AcN - buffer phosphate 25mM, pH=5, isocratic of AcN (65%) in 5 minutes and gradient in AcN from 65-92% in 31 minutes, 0: 0.6 mL/min, ta: 40 °C. Retention time: 27.89 minutes. HPLC purity in area: 89.62%.

Example 93 OMe OMe 167 168 PCT/GBO 1/02120 180 To a solution of 167 (9.95 g, 14.6 mmol) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (300 mL), a solution of benceneseleninic anhydride (7.51 g, 14.6 mmol, reagent purity 70%) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (120 mL) was dropwise added, under Argon atmosphere at -15 °C (the remaning white solid was discarded). The solution was then stirred at -15 °C for 15 minutes (TLC EtOAc/Hexane 2:3, showed no starting material). A saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (500 mL) was added to the reaction mixture at this temperature. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2CI2 (500 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The crude of the reaction was purified by flash column chromatography, (Si02, EtOAc:Hexane in a gradient manner, from 2:3 to 3:1) to afford 168 (9.86 g, 97%) as a yellow solid. Rf = 0.33 Hex:EtOAc 3:7).

*H-RMN (300 MHz, cdci3) (Isomers ratio: « 3:2): 5 6.59 (s, IH), 6.57 (s, IH), 5.77 (s, IH), 5.76 (s, IH), 5.68 (s, IH), 5.63 (s, IH), 5.19 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 5.09 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, IH), 5.07 (d, J= 6.1 Hz, IH), 5.00 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, IH), 4.40 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.27 (d, J - 2.44 Hz, IH), 4.22 (d, J = 10.5 Hz, IH), 3.95 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, IH), 3.86-3.75 (m, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.72-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.54 (s, 3H), 3.50 (m, 3H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 3H); 3.24 (m, IH), 3.09 (dt, J= 3.2 Hz, J= 7.6 Hz, IH), 3.02 (d, J= 11.2 Hz, IH), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.48 (d, J= 9.5 Hz, IH), 2.43 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.03 (m, 2H), 1.73 (s, 3H), 1.71 (s, 3H), 0.86 (s, 9H), 0.77 (s, 9H), 0.04 (s, 3H), 0.02 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (75 MHz, cdci3): 200.5, 197.2, 159.8, 157.7, 148.4, 148.2, 147.7, 140.0, 137.6, 130.5, 130.2, 129.9, 129.4, 124.9, 124.7, 124.0, 122.7, 117.1, 116.9, 113.4, 110.8, 103.9, 103.8, 101.0, 100.4, 97.8, 72.8, 71.3, 69.7, 68.9, 68.8, 65.4, 64.1, 60.2, 59.9, 59.3, 59.1, 59.0, 58.6, 58.5, 56.8, 56.5, 56.2, 55.5, 54.9, 54.8, 42.5, 41.1, 40.9, 35.8, 25.6, 25.5, 25.4, 25.3, 20.6, 17.9, 17.8, 15.5, 15.3, 13.8, 7.0, 6.7, -5.7, -6.0,-6.1.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 181 ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for CasHsiNaOgSi: 697.89. Found (M+l)+: 698.8 HPLC: Conditions: Column: Symmetry CI8; mobile phase: AcN, buffer phosphate 25mM, pH=5, gradient in AcN from 30-100% in 50 minutes. 0: 1.2 mL/min, ta: 40 °C. Retention time: 30.70 minutes and 30.95 minutes (the two isomers). HPLC purity in area: 60.77% and 31.99%.

Example 94 OMe MEMO^ Jw, Me --Me A-0 ^ CN OTBDMS 168 TBAF/THF CH2CI2 OMe MEMO^Js^^Me -Me 169 To a solution of 168 (16.38 g, 23.47 mmol) in anhydrous THF (727 mL, 0.03 M), a solution of TBAF in 1M THF (59 mL, 59 mmol) was dropwise added at 23°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 45 minutes. Then, the mixture was partitioned between a saturated aqueous NaCl solution (850 mL) and ch2ci2 (950 mL). Both layers were separated and the organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiCh, EtOAc:Hexane in a gradient manner, from 40:60, 50:50, 70:30, 90:10 to 100:0) to afford 169 (12,17 g, 89%) as a light yellow solid. Rf = 0.1 Hex:EtOAc 3:7.

!H-RMN (300 MHz, cdci3) (Isomers ratio: 3:2): 6 6.63 (s, IH), 6.57 (s, IH), 5.79 (s, IH), 5.77 (s, IH), 5.75 (s, IH), 5.62 (s, IH), 5.23 (s, IH), 5.18 (d, J= 6.1 Hz, IH), 5.08 (d, J= 6.1 Hz, IH), 5.01 (d, J= 6.1 Hz, IH), 4.22 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.09 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.00 (m, 4H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.87-3.64 (m, 6H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 3.26 (m, IH), 3.18 (dt, Jj = 2.9 Hz, J2 = 7.3 Hz, IH), 2.94 182 (m, 4H) 2.50 (m, 4H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 2.02 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.72 (s, 3H), 1.69 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (75 MHz, CDCb): 200.2, 200.1, 159.6, 158.5, 148.5, 148.4, 148.1, 147.9, 140.5, 137.4, 130.9, 130.4, 130.1, 130.0, 125.1, 124.9, 123.8, 122.7, 116.9, 116.6, 113.3, 110.7, 104.5, 103.9, 101.4, 100.7, 98.1, 97.9, 71.9, 71.5, 71.4, 70.1, 69.0, 69.0, 62.0, 60.1, 59.5, 58.7, 58.5, 58.1, 57.4, 56.9, 56.8, 56.4, 55.9, 55.1, 55.0, 41.3, 41.0, 36.1, 31.3, 25.3, 25.2, 22.4, 15.6, 15.5, 13.8, 7.0, 6.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C30H37N3O9: 583.63. Found (M+l)+: 584.2.

Example 95 To a solution of 169 (11.49 g, 19.69 mmol) and Alloc-Cys-(Fm) (11.32 g, 29.53 mmol) (for its preparation see Kruse, C. H.; Holden, K. G., J. Org. Chem.t 1985, 50, pp. 2792-2794) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (688 mL), DMAP (2.4 g, 19.69 mmol) and EDC-HCl (9.44 g, 49.22 mmol) were added at 23°C. Then, DIPEA (5.14 mL, 29.53 mmol) was added at 0°C and the reaction was stirred at 23°C for 3 hour. The mixture was washed successively with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCQ3 (500 mL), 183 NaCl (400 mL) and NH4CI (2 x 300 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography ( SiC>2, AcOEtrHex in a gradient manner, from 1:1, 6:4 to 7:3) to afford 170 (14.76 g, 79%) as a pale yellow solid. Rf = 0.31 and 0.40 Hex:EtOAc 3:7 (mixture of isomers). iH-RMN (300 MHz, CDCI3): 7.74 (d, J« 7.6 Hz, 4H), 7.63 (dd, J = 7.0 Hz, J= 15.3 Hz, 4H), 7.38 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 4H), 7.29 (m, 4H), 6.61 (s, IH), 6.54 (s, IH), 5.89 (m, 2H); 5.73 (s, IH), 5.70 (s, IH), 5.69 (s, IH), 5.62 (s, IH), 5.55 (m, IH), 5.32 (d, J= 15.1 Hz, IH), 5.23 (d, J - 6.1 Hz, IH), 5.22 (d, J = 10.6 Hz, IH), 5.14 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.13 (d, J-6.0 Hz, IH), 5.07 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, IH), 4.68 (m, IH), 4.56 (m, 4H), 4.51 (m, 2H), 4.38 (dd, Jj = 4.5 Hz, J2 = 12.6 Hz, IH), 4.22 (dd, Jj = 6.2 Hz, J2 = 11.1 Hz, IH), 4.14-3.88 (m, 12H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79-3.69 (m, 4H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 3.56 (m, 4H), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 3.23 (m, 2H), 3.16 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (d, J= 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.00- 2.81 (m, 6H), 2.46-2.34 (m, 4H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.07 (m, IH), 1.83 (dd, Ji -9.5 Hz, J2= 15.1 Hz, IH), 1.78 (s, 3H), 1.77 (s, 3H). i3C- RMN (75 MHz, CDCb): 6 200.3, 198.4, 170.3, 160.0, 158.1, 148.7, 148.7, 148,5, 148.2, 145.6, 145.6, 145.5, 142.2, 141.1, 141.0, 141.0, 138.5, 132.4, 132.3, 131.1, 130.6, 130.1, 129.8, 128.8, 127.6, 127.1, 127.1, 125.1, 125.0, 124.8, 124.7, 124.7, 124.0, 122.7, 119.9, 118.1, 118.0, 117.2, 116.8, 111.6, 108.3, 104.8, 104.5, 101.5, 101.0, 98.2, 98.2, 72.3, 71.7, 71.7, 70.6, 69.3, 69.2, 66.4, 66.0, 66.0, 65.5, 63.8, 60.8, 60.2, 59.8, 59.0, 58.9, 58.1, 56.8. 56.6, 56.5, 56.3, 56.1, 55.7, 55.3, 55.2, 53.9, 46.9, 41.9, 41.4, 41.2, 37.2, 36.9, 35.4, 31.5, 29.6, 25.6, 25.4, 22.6, 15.8, 15.7, 14.1, 7.3, 7.0.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C51H56N4O12S: 948.36. Found (M+l)+: 949.3. Example 96 PCT/GBO 1/02120 184 OMe OMe 1) DMSO, Tf20 2) DIPEA 3) 'BuOH AllocHN s o.

Me.

Me O 4} N Bu Me x Me2N NMe2 O 7 ) AcaO, CH2CI2 CN 170 171 The reaction flask was flamed twice, purged vacuum/Argon several times and kept under Argon atmosphere for the reaction. To a solution of DMSO (5.4 mL) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (554 mL) was dropwise added triflic anhydride (5.11 mL, 30.4 mmol) at -78°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78°C for 20 minutes. Then, a solution of 170 (14.43 g, 15.2 mmol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (188 mL) at -78°C was added via canula. During the addition the temperature was kept at -78°C in both flasks and the color of the reaction was yellow. The reaction mixture was stirred at -40°C for 35 minutes. During this period of time the solution was turned from yellow to dark green. After this time, »Pr2NEt (21.2 mL, 121.6 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 0°C for 45 minutes. The color of the solution turned to pale brown during this time. Then, lBuOH (5.8 mL, 60.8 mmol) and tert-butyl tetramethyl guanidine (18.3 mL, 106.4 mmol) were dropwise added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23°C for 40 minutes. After this time, acetic anhydride (14.34 mL, 152 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 23°C for 1 hour more. Then, the reaction mixture was diluted with ch2ci2 (38 mL) and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of nh4ci (500 mL), NaHCOs (500 mL), and NaCl (500 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc:Hex in a gradient manner, from 185 3:7 to 4:6) to afford 171 (6.24 g, 52%) as a pale yellow solid. Rf = 0.38 Hex:EtOAc 1:1. 1H-RMN (cdci3): 6.78 (s, IH), 6.07 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.98 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.92 (m, IH), 5.32 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, IH), 5.31 (dd, Ji - 1.5 Hz, J2 = 17.1 Hz, IH), 5.23 (dd, Jj = 1.5 Hz, J2 = 10.4 Hz, IH), 5.19 (d, J= 5.6 Hz, 1H), 5.01 (d, J = 11.5 Hz, IH), 4.81 (d, J= 9.8 Hz, IH), 4.53-4.51 (m, 3H), 4.35-4.27 (m, 2H), 4.24 (s, IH), 4.18-4.13 (m, 2H), 3.94-3.84 (m, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.58 (t, J= 4.7 Hz, 2H), 3.43-3.37 (m, 2H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.36-2.06 (m, 2H), 2.02 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (CDCb): 170.23, 168.49, 155.26, 149.62, 148.26, 145.63, 140.85, 140.24, 132.74, 131.60, 130.11, 124.89, 124.70, 120.14, 117.89, 117.84, 113.21, 101.89, 98.03, 92.67, 71.60, 69.04, 65.70, 61.20, 60.35, 59.36, 59.01, 58.89, 54.71, 54.42, 53.79, 41.53, 41.19, 32.68, 29.53, 23.57, 20.26, 15.62, 9.45.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C39H46N4O12S: 794.87. Found: 796 (M+l)+, 817 (M+23)+. HPLC: Conditions: Column: Simmetry CI8, Mobile phase: AcN/buffer phosphate (pH: 5) in gradient from 45 to 65% in 15 minutes and 65-90% in 36 minutes. 0 = 0.8 ml/min, ta= 40 °C. Retention time: 19.734 minutes. HPLC purity in area: 83.17% Example 97 171 164 PCT/GBO 1/02120 186 To a solution of 171 (2.26 g, 2.85 mmol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (74 mL) and acetonitrile (74 mL), Nal (3.42 g, 22.8 mmol) and TMSCI (freshly distilled over CaH2) (2.6 mL, 22.8 mmol) were added at 0°C and the reaction was stirred for 35 minutes. A saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (150 mL) was added to the reaction mixture at this temperature. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure to give 164 (2.4 g, 100%) as a pale yellow solid which was used in subsequent reactions with no further purification. Experimental data of 164 were described above in Example 88.

Transformation of 164 into 35 was previously described above in Example 89.

Intermediates 35, 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

Route 6 Example 98 PCT/GBO 1/02120 187 OMe To a solution of 144 (7 g, 7.6 mmol) in MeOH (140 mL), 1M NaOH (15.1 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred for 10 minutes at 23°C. A saturated aqueous solution of nh4ci (100 mL) was added to the reaction mixture. The organic phase was separated and washed with 5% HCI until the colour turned into yellow. The organic extract was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and the solvent was eliminated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc:Hexane in a gradient manner, from 0:1, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 1:1 to 3:1) to afford 161 (3.76 g, 85%). Experimental data of 161 were previously described in U. S. Patent No 5,721,362.

Example 99 OMe To a solution of 161 (200 mg, 0.37 mmol) and the cysteine 152 (240 mg, 0.55 mmol) in anhydrous ch2ci2 (20 mL), DMAP (110 mg, 0.925 188 mmol) and EDC-HCl (170 mg, 0.925 mmol) were added at 23°C and the reaction was stirred at that temperature for 1.5 hours. The mixture was then washed successively with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCC>3 (15 mL), NaCl (15 mL) and nh4ci (2 x 10 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography with silica gel (Si02, AcOEt/Hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4 to 1:2) to afford 172 (285 mg, 80%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.3 Hex:EtOAc 2:1.

*H RMN (CDCI3) 8 7.73 (d, 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.59-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.28 (m, 9H), 6.60 (s, IH), 5.69 (s, IH), 5.65 (s, IH), 5.54 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 5.11-5.08 (m, 4H), 4.52-4.49 (m, IH), 4.21-3.90 (m, 6H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 3.21 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, IH), 3.09-2.90 (m, 6H), 2.41 (d, J= 18 Hz, IH), 2.34-2.31 (m, IH), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.88-1.83 (m, IH), 1.77 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (cdci3) 8 198.7, 170.5, 158.4, 155.9, 148.9, 148.8, 145.8, 142.5, 141.3, 136.2, 131.4, 130.0, 128.8, 128.6, 128.4, 127.9, 127.3, • 125.3, 125.0, 124.9, 123.0, 120.1, 117.5, 108.5, 104.8, 101.7, 99.5, 70.8, 67.4, 60.5, 57.8, 57.0, 56.5, 56.0, 55.5, 47.1, 41.6, 37.4, 37.1, . 31.8, 25.8, 22.8, 15.9, 14.3, 7.6.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C53H54N4O11S: 954.35. Found (M+23)+: 977.8. Example 100 PCT/GBO 1/02120 189 OMe Me Me C 4. N3Me4T-Bu Me . AC2O, CH2CI2 C 1. DMSO, Tfg 2. DIPEA 3. tBuOH O NHCbz ? 173 CN Me 172 The reaction flask was flamed twice, purged vacuum/Argon several times and kept under Argon atmosphere for the reaction. To a solution of DMSO (977 pL) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (118 mL) was dropwise added triflic anhydride (930 QL, 5.5 mmol) at -78 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 20 minutes. Then, a solution of 172 (2.63 g, 2.75 mmol) in anhydrous CH2CI2 (26 mL, for the main addition and 13 mL for washing) was added via canula (addition time: 5 min) at -78 °C. During the addition the temperature was kept at -78 °C in both flasks and the color changed from yellow to brown. The reaction mixture was stirred at -40 °C for 35 minutes. During this period of time the solution was turned from yellow to dark green. After this time, *Pr2NEt (3.48 mL, 22 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 0 °C for 45 minutes, the color of the solution turned brown during this time. Then, tBuOH-(1.04 mL, 11 mmol) and tert-butyl tetramethyl guanidine (3.31 mL, 19.25 mmol) were dropwise added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 40 minutes. After this time, acetic anhydride (2.6 mL, 27.5 mmol) was dropwise added and the reaction mixture was kept at 23 °C for 1 hour more. Then, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH2CI2 (70 mL) and washed successively with a saturated aqueous solution of NH4CI (180 mL), NaHC03 (180 mL), and NaCl (180 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2S04, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Si02, Hex:EtOAc in a gradient 190 manner, from 4:1, 3:1, to 2:1) to afford 173 (1.145 g, 52%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.31 Hex:EtOAc 3:2.

*H RMN (CDCls) 5 7.37 (bs, 5H), 6.67 (s, IH), 6.08 (d, J- 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.99 (d, J- 1.2 Hz, IH), 5.19-5.00 (m, 4H), 4.82 (d, J= 9.3 Hz, IH), 4.49 (bs, IH), 4.32-4.15 (m, 5H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.44 (d, J-4.8 Hz, IH), 3.39 (d, J= 6 Hz, IH), 2.90-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.15-2.07 (m, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H). 13C-RMN (CDCfe) 5 170.6, 168.8, 155.8, 149.9, 148.5, 146.0, 141.2, 140.6, 136.6, 132.0, 130.4, 128.8, 128.7, 128.5, 125.2, 124.9, 120.5, 118.2, 113.7, 113.6, 102.2, 99.4, 67.2, 61.6, 60.7, 59.7, 59.3, 57.6, 55.1, 54.8, 54.2, 41.9, 41.6, 33.0, 29.9, 23.9, 20.6, 15.6, 9.8.

ESI-MS m/z: Calcd. for C41H44N4O11S: 800.87. Found (M+23)+: 823.7.

Example 101 Nal, TMSCI 173 NHCbz OMe CH2CI2, CH3CN 158 To a solution of 173 (100 mg, 0.125 mmol) in ch2ci2 (2 mL) and ch3cn (2 mL), Nal (75 mg, 0.5 mmol) and TMSCI (63 DL, 0.5 mmol) were added at 0°C. After stirring the reaction at 23°C for 50 minutes, the mixture was quenched with water (30 mL) and extracted with ch2ci2 (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic phases were washed successively with a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl (20 mL) and sodium ditionite (20 mL), dried over Na2SC>4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue 191 was purified by flash column chromatography (SiCh, EtOAc: Hexane in a gradient manner, from 1:4, 1:2 to 1:1) to afford 158 (66 mg, 70%) as white solid. Rf = 0.21 Hex:EtOAc 1:1. Experimental data of 158 was described above in Example 19.

Transformation of 158 into 35 was described above in Example 85.

Intermediates 36, ET-770 and ET-743 were prepared following the same procedures than those previously described in PCT/GB00/01852.

PCT/GBO 1/02120 . 192 References European Patent 309,477.

US Patent 5,721,362.

Sakai, R., Jares-Erijman, E.A., Manzanares, I., Elipe, M.V.S., and Rinehart, K.L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1996) 118, 9017-9023 Martinez, E.J., Owa, T., Schreiber, S.L. and Corey, E.J. Proc. Natl. Acad.

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Japanese Kokai JP-A2 60/084288.

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Claims (16)

WO 01/87895 PCT/GB01/02120 193 Frincke, J. M.; Faulkner, D. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1982, 104, 265-269. He, H. -Y.; Faulkner, D. J. J. Org. Chem. 1989, 54, 5822-5824. Kubo, A.; Saito, N.; Kitahara, Y.; Takahashi, K.; Tazawa, K.; Arai, T. Chem Pharm. Bull. 1987, 35, 440-442. Trowitzsch-Kienast, W.; Irschik, H.; Reichenback, H.; Wray, V.; Hofle, G. Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1988, 475-481. Ikeda, Y.; Idemoto, H.; Hirayama, F.; Yamamoto, K.; Iwao, K.; Asano, T.; Munakata, T. J. Antibiot. 1983, 36, 1279-1283. Asaoka, T.; Yazawa, K.; Mikami, Y. Arai, T.; Takahashi, K. J. Antibiot. 1982, 35, 1708-1710. Lown, J. W.; Hanstock, C. C.; Joshua, A. V.; Arai, T; Takahashi, K. J. Antibiot. 1983, 36, 1184-1194. Munakata et al. United States Patent 4, 400, 752, 1984. Y. Ikeda et al. The Journal of Antibiotics. VOL XXXVI, N°10, 1284, 1983. R. Cooper, S. Unger. The Journal of Antibiotics. VOL XXXVIII, N°l, 1985. Corey et al. United States Patent 5, 721, 362. 1998. Corey et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. vol 118 pp 9202-92034, 1996. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. Vol. 96, pp 3496-3501, 1999. 194

1. A process step in the manufacture of an ecteinascidin compound, wherein the step comprises deprotecting a compound of formula (A) by removing both protecting groups in a single step, to give an a-aminelactone of formula (35), in accordance with the following scheme: where ProtNH is an amino protecting group, and ProtOH is a hydroxy protecting group.

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein ProtNH is t-butyloxycarbonyl and ProtOH is methoxymethoxy.

3. A process according to claim 1, wherein ProtNH is t-butyloxycarbonyl and ProtOH is methoxyethoxymethoxy. (A) (35)

4. A process according to claim 1 which includes the further step of oxidising the a-aminelactone of formula (35) to the corresponding a-ketolactone of formula (36) by transamination: 195 H->N U OMe o f HO^ ^,Me AcO \ S Me. -J- O.

5. A process according to claim 4, which includes the further step of stereospecifically forming spirotetrahydroisoquinoline compound Et770 from the a-ketolactone of formula (36) by a Pictet-Spengler reaction: (36) (Et770)

6. A process according to claim 5, which includes the further step of replacement of nitrile at C-21 of Et770 by hydroxy to give Et743: (Et770) (Et743) 196

7. A process step in the manufacture of an ecteinascidin compound by oxidising an a-aminelactone of formula (35) to the

8. A process according to claim 7, which includes the further step of stereospecifically forming spirotetrahydroisoquinoline compound Et770 from the a-ketolactone of formula (36) by a Pictet-Spengler reaction: (36) (Et770)

9. A process according to claim 8, which includes the further step of replacement of nitrile at C-21 of Et770 by hydroxy to give Et743: 197 ,NH OMe lO^J^Me AcO \ S

10. A process step in the manufacture of an ecteinascidin compound by stereospecifically forming spirotetrahydroisoquinoline compound Et770 from the a-ketolactone of formula (36) by a Pictet-Spengler reaction: (36) (Et770)

11. A process according to claim 10, which includes the further step of replacement of nitrile at C-21 of Et770 by hydroxy to give Et743: ^o CN (Et770) ^—0 OH (Et743) 198

12. An intermediate for the synthesis of an ecteinascidin compound, the intermediate being of the formula (35): (35)

13. An intermediate for the synthesis of an ecteinascidin compound, the intermediate being of the formula (36): (36)

14. A process according to claim 1 or claim 7 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples thereof.

15. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 11 substantially as herein described.

16. An intermediate according to claim 12 or claim 13 substantially as herein described. PHARMA MAR, S.A By its Attorneys TAMES & WI JnteHectual Property Office of NZ t o MAV 2004 fECEIVED