BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The esterification of alcools is a common rection in organic synthesis. Once the ester is produced, the ester can undergo further rections to produce complex molecules. This approach is especially significant in the synthesis of natural products and non-natural synthetic compound that exhibit biological activity. By converting a hydroxyl group to an ester, the chemical properties of the compound can change dramatically. An example of this improved property is the anti-cancer drug, Taxol.

Taxol and other antitumor taxoids constitute some of the most important discoveries in cancer chemotherapy in recent years. Taxol and Taxotere, which is a semi-synthetic analog of Taxol, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced ovarian and breast cancer. Additionally Taxol and Taxotere may be useful for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer and several other cancers. The structures of Taxol and Taxotere are shown below.

Taxol: R = Ph; R'= Ac Taxotere: R = t-BuO; R'= H Taxol and Taxotere differ in their structure at the C-10 and C-3'positions.

While Taxol was first isolated from the bark of the pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifola, Taxotere, a synthetic analog of Taxol, possesses better bioavailability than Taxol. Due to the limited availability of Taxol from the yew tree (1 Kg from 10000 Kg of bark), different strategies including total synthesis, semisynthesis, cell and tissue culture of taxus spp., have been investigated so that large amounts of Taxol can be produced.

Although the total synthesis of Taxol was accomplished in 1994, lengthy multi-step sequences led to poor overall yield of Taxol. Therefore, total synthesis has not to date been a viable alternative to solve the supply problem.

One approach to a large scale production of Taxol and Taxotere is their semisynthesis from l 0-deacetyl baccatin III (referred to as baccatin III or baccatin), shown below. Baccatin III can be readily obtained from the needles of the yew tree Taxus baccata. Importantly, yew needles can be quickly regenerated; therefore, a continuous supply of Taxol may be available without affecting the yew population.

baccatinIII Structure-activity relationships of Taxol derivatives indicate that the C-13 N- benzoyl-3-phenyl isoserine side chain, with the 2'R, 3'S stereochemistry, is of crucial importance for Taxol's cytotoxicity. Although there are methods in the art for the asymmetric synthesis of the C-13 side chain, coupling the side chain to the C-13 hydroxyl group is not a simple endeavor. The coupling rection is complicated by the fact that the C-13 hydroxyl group is situated in the skeletal concavity of baccatin III, which makes this hydroxyl group sterically hindered. Furthermore, the C-13 hydroxyl group has been propose to form a stabilizing hydrogen bond with the C-4 acetate moiety. These two factors contribute to the difficulty encountered in attaching the side chain to the C-13 hydroxyl group.

One approach to attaching the isoserine side chain to the C-13-hydroxyl group involves a condensation rection between baccatin and an isoserine acid. Greene et al.

(J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988,110,5917) discloses the direct esterification rection of a protected form of baccatin III and an isoserine acid under vigorous conditions (73 °C for 4 days). International Patent Application No. WO 94/18186 to Swindell et al.; U. S.

Patent No. 5,675,025 to Sisti et al.; and U. S. Patent No. 5,597,931 to Danishefsky et al. also disclose the condensation rection between protected baccatins and isoserine acids and esters.

Another approach involves the condensation rection between a heterocycle containing a carboxylic acid group and baccatin, followed by treatment with an acid to

open the ring and produce the side chain at C-13. Kingston et al. (Tetrahedron Letters 1994, vol 35, no. 26, pp 4483) and International Patent Application No. WO 97/00870 to Gennari et al. disclose the coupling of oxazolidines and baccatin via a condensation rection. U. S. Patent No. 5,599,942 to Bouchard et al.; International Patent Application No. WO 94/10169 to Denis et al.; International Patent Application No.

WO 94/10169; and Kanazawa et al. (J. Chem. Chem. Com. 1994,2591) disclose the coupling of a 1,3-oxazole with baccatin followed by acid hydrolysis produced Taxol and derivatives thereof. In the respective condensation rections disclosed in the above-identified patents and articles, the stereochemistry at C-2 of the heterocycle, wherein C-2 is the carbon bonded to the carboxylic acid group, has to be established (either S or R stereochemistry).

Gennari et al. (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1996,35,1723) discloses the rection between a protected baccatin and a thioester of an oxazolidine in the presence of a base. In the case of the oxazolidine, seven steps were required to produce the oxazolidine with the thioester group, wherein the first step involves the use of chiral boron agent. The resulting oxazolidine thioester produced and subsequently coupled with baccatin is the anti isomer and not the syn isomer. The coupling rection involves adding a base to a mixture of the protected baccatin and the oxazolidine thioester. An excess of oxazolidine thioester (3.5 equivalents) and base (4.5 equivalents) are used in the coupling rection. Similar to the condensation rections described above, the stereochemistry at C-2 of the oxazolidine thioester is also established.

Therefore, there remains a need for a more efficient, high yield synthesis of Taxol and other similar compound. In addition, there exists a need for synthetic methods where the stereochemistry at C2 of the precursor to the side chain does not have to be established.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To overcome the shortcomings described above, the present invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising: (a) admixing a compound having the structure I : wherein, R, and R, are, independently, from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and X is a halogen or OR3, wherein Rj is from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S (0) 2R4,, wherein R4, is C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, with a base to form an intermediate; and (b) admixing the intermediate of step (a) with an alcool, an alkoxide, or a combination thereof.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure III:

wherein, R, and R, are, independently, from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, with an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing: (a) a base; (b) an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof; and (c) a compound having the structure I : wherein,

R, and R, are, independently, from Cl to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and X is a halogen or OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, S (O)2R41, wherein R4, is Cl to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing: (a) a base; (b) an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof; and (c) a compound having the structure IV: wherein, R, and R,,, are, independently, an aralkyl or C (O) R31, wherein R31 is Cl to C, 2 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or aralkyl; R"is from C, to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl;

R, 2 is silyl, alkyl, acyl, aryl, or aralkyl; and Y is a halogen or OR, 3, wherein R13 is from Cl to Cl2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl ; acyl; or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, Z straight chain or branche alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing: (a) an alcool, an alkoxide, or a combination thereof; and (b) a compound having the structure V: wherein, Rg and R,,, are, independently, an aralkyl or C (O) R31, wherein R31 is C1 to C, 2 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or aralkyl; R"is from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R, Z is silyl, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or acyl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure I: wherein, R, and R2 are, independently, from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and X is OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, orS (0) 2R4,, wherein R,, is Cl to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and R2 and C (O) X are cis to one another, comprising: (a) admixing a compound having the structure VI:

wherein, Ri and R, are, independently, from C, to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X is OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C, z branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, orS (0) 2R,,, wherein R4, is C, to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and the hydroxyl group and amide group are cis to one another, with a cyclization agent.

The invention further relates to a compound having the formula I : wherein, R, and R2 are, independently, from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X is OR3, wherein R3 is halogen; C, to C, z branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, aralkyl, or S (O) ZR4,, wherein R4, is Cl to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and

R, and C (O) X are cis to one another.

The invention further relates to a compound having the structure IV: wherein, Rg and R,,, are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R12 is acyl, silyl, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl; and Y is a halogen or OR, 3, wherein R13 is from C, to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C,, branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure IV:

wherein, R, and R,,, are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R, 2 is acyl, silyl, alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; and Y is OR, 3, wherein R, 3 is from C, to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; acyl, aralkyl, or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, comprising: (a) admixing a base and a compound having the structure IX: wherein, R, and R10 are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and Y is OR, 3, wherein R, 3 is from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl, or

S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, to produce an intermediate, and (b) admixing the intermediate of step (a) with an esterification agent, a silylating agent, or an alkylating agent.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R, 5 rand R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R21)3 or C (O) R, 2, wherein each R21 is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C,-C,, branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 8 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28) 3 or C (O) R29, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; or aralkyl;

R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C,, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein Ru ils not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; or aralkyl, with an alkoxide.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R, 5 and R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R2,) 3 or C (O) R22, wherein each R2, is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from Cl-C,, branche or straight chain alkyl;

Rs7 iS substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R18 is branche or straight chain C,-C,, alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28)3 or C (O) R, 9, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl; R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R19 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R19 is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl, comprising, (a) admixing (i) a compound having the structure X

wherein R, 8-R, o are as above, (ii) a Lewis acid; and (iii) a base, to produce a first intermediate; (b) reacting the first intermediate of step (a) with a compound having the structure XI: wherein R, 5 and R17 are as above, to produce a second intermediate; and (c) admixing the second intermediate of step (b) with a proton source.

The invention further relates to a compound having the structure VII:

wherein, R15 and R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R21)3 or C (O) R22, wherein each independently,branchedorstraightchainC1-C12alkyl;andis, R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R18 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28)3 or C (O) R29, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; or aralkyl; R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C,-C, or straight chain alkyl; R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C, = alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R, 9 is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C1-C1 2 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C,-C,, alkyl; or aralkyl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R15 and R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R2,) 3 or C (O) OMe, wherein each R2, is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C,-C,, branched or straight chain alkyl; R18 is hydrogen: R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R, g is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C1-C1 2 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl, comprising, (a) admixing

(i) a compound having the structure XIII wherein R19-20 and R22 are as above, (ii) a Lewis acid; and (iii) a first base, to produce a first intermediate; (b) reacting the first intermediate of step (a) with a compound having the structure XI: wherein R, 5 and R17 are as above, to produce a second intermediate; and (c) admixing the second intermediate with a basic buffer, wherein the buffer comprises a second base.

The invention further relates a compound having the structure XIV or XV: wherein, R44 and R45 are, independently, hydrogen; C,-C, 2branched or straight chain alkyl; or R44 and R45 are part of a cycloaliphatic group; when g is a single bond, R46 is hydroxy; acetyl; or C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkoxy;

when g is a double bond, R46 is oxygen; R47is aCl-Cl2branched or straight chain alkyl ester; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; carboalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R48 is C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; acetyl; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R50are,independently,hydrogen;C1-C12branchedorstraightR49and chain alkyl or alkoxy; or acetyl, provided that when one of R49 or R50 is hydrogen, the other of R49 and R50is not hydrogen; when in is a double bond, R51 is oxygen; when in is a single bond, R5, is OH or OC (O) R52, wherein R52 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or cycloaliphatic; and the hydroxyl group is located at carbon h or i.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure XX wherein, R60 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; C(O)R64,wherein,or each R 63 is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C,; or aralkyl; R64 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C,-C, or straight chain alkyl; R6, and R62 are, independently, hydrogen, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR65; R65 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR66, wherein R66 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; or aralkyl, with an alkoxide.

None of the references described above disclose the methods and compound of the present invention. Additional avantages of the invention will be set forth in part in

the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The avantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appende claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the examples included therein.

Before the present compositions of matter and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to specific synthetic methods or to particular formulations, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings: The singular forms"a,""an"and"the"include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the application, the term"compound"refers to all compound embodied by the designated structure in the present application. For example, compound I refers to all compound having the structure I as defined in the application.

The term"aralkyl"is defined as any group that has one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups attache to an aromatic ring.

The term"cyclization agent"is defined as an agent that activates a hydroxyl group and renders the carbon attache to it more susceptible to interna nucleophilic attack.

The term"esterification agent"is defined as any agent that will catalyze the formation of an ester from an alcohol or alkoxide and a carboxylic acid.

ESTERIFICATION OF ALCOHOLS-PART I In accordance with the purpose (s) of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising: (a) admixing a compound having the structure I: wherein, Ri and R, are, independently, from C, to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and

X is a halogen or OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C, z branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S (O) 2R4" wherein R4, is Cl to C, branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, with a base to form an intermediate; and (b) admixing the intermediate of step (a) with an alcool, an alkoxide, or a combinationthereof.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure III: wherein, R, and RZ are, independently, from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, with an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing:

(a) a base; (b) an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof; and (c) a compound having the structure I : wherein, Ri and R2 are, independently, from C, to C, Z branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and X is a halogen or OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S (O) ZR4" wherein R4, is C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing: (a) a base; (b) an alcool, an alkoxide or a combination thereof; and (c) a compound having the structure IV: wherein, R, and R10 are, independently, an aralkyl or C (O) R3" wherein R3, is Cl to C12 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or aralkyl; R"is from C, to C, Z branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R12 is silyl, alkyl, acyl, aryl, or aralkyl; and Y is a halogen or OR, 3, wherein R, 3 is from C, to C, z branche or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl; or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C12 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl The invention further relates to a method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing: (a) an alcool, an alkoxide, or a combination thereof; and (b) a compound having the structure V:

wherein, R, and Rlo are, independently, an aralkyl or C (O) R3, lwherein R3, is Cl to Cl2 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or aralkyl; R"is from C, to C, Z branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R, 2 is silyl, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or acyl.

The applicants have discovered that the combination of a base, an alcool, and compound I or IV results in the formation of an ester. In one embodiment, the base can be added to a mixture of the alcohol and compound I and IV. In a preferred embodiment, compound I or IV is treated with a base, followed by the addition of the alcool.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that when the base and compound I or IV are combine together, the ketene complexes III and V are produced, respectively. It is believed that the base deprotonates a hydrogen at the a-carbon (the carbon adjacent to the C (O) X group) of I and IV with concomitant loss of the leaving group, X and Y, respectively, to generate the ketene complex. The ketene complexes III and V are highly electrophilic; thus, they are susceptible to nucleophilic attack.

When a ketene is treated with an alcohol of the present invention, the alcohol reacts at C 1 of the ketene to produce the corresponding ester (eq. 1). In another embodiment, an

alkoxide will react with the ketene to generate the ester. In the present invention, the ketene complexes III and V are not isolated, but generated i71 stu prior to the addition of the alcool. 0 0 ' eq. l COR "ketenet ROH The bases useful for generating the ketene complexes of the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, an amide, a secondary amine or a tertiary amine. An amide is defined herein as (R) 2Ne, wherein each R is preferably an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, or a silyl group. Examples of amides useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, potassium hexamethyldisilazide, sodium hexamethyldisilazide, lithium diisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide, and lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine. An examples of a secondary amine inclues, but is not limited to, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine. Examples of tertiary amines inclue, but are not limited to, dimethyl ethyl amine, triethylamine and pyridine.

One avantage of the present invention is that the stereochemistry at C2 of compound I and IV does not have to be set. Thus, the stereochemistry at C2 can be S or R. When I-trans and 1-cils are treated with a base (Scheme I), deprotonation at C2 and subsequent loss of X results in the formation of the ketene complex III. Thus, the applicants have discovered that the cis and trans isomers of I and IV can be used to esterify an alcool, which is highly desirable and nowhere taught, suggested or otherwise motivated in the art.

Scheme I Rl N'ill"0 R Rr C (O) X X I-trans base N-'O 10 \1 N.'O III R2 C (O) X 1-cils Another avantage of the present method is that once the ketene complexes III and V are generated, nucleophilic attack by the alcohol or alkoxide can occur diasteroselectively. In one embodiment, in the case of the acyclic ketene complex V, nucleophilic attack by the alcohol or alkoxide will most likely occur opposite or anti to the adjacent R group at Cb of V. In another embodiment, in the case of the cyclic ketene complex III, nucleophilic attack by the alcohol or alkoxide can occur anti or syn to the adjacent R group at Ca; however, due to thermodyanamic considerations, the trans ester is the predominant product formed. Thus, by varying the stereochemistry at Ca and Cb, it is possible to generate optically active esters using this method of the present invention. This feature of the present invention is very useful with respect to the synthesis of biologically active compound that possess ester groups.

In one embodiment, a compound having the structure I can be used to esterify an alcool. In the case of compound I, R, and R2 are, independently, from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and X is a halogen

or OR3, wherein R3 is from Cl to C,, branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S(O)2R41, wherein R41 is Cl to C, z branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl. Throughout the application, the alkyl group is from C, to C,, branched or straight chain alkyl, preferably from C, to C6 branche or straight chain alkyl, and more preferably from C, to C4 branche or straight chain alkyl. The term"acyl"is defined as a group having the structure R' (O) CO, wherein R'is alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl. Acyl groups useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, acetyl and benzol. The term"aralkyl"is defined as any group that has one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups attache to an aromatic ring. Examples of an aralkyl group of the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, benzyl and p-nitrobenzyl groups. In one embodiment, R, and R2 are phenyl; R3 is methyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In another embodiment, R, and Ruz axe phenyl; R3 is isopropyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In yet another embodiment, R, and R2 are phenyl; R3 is tert-butyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure I: wherein, R, and R, are, independently, from C, to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and

X is OR3, wherein R3 is from C, to C,, branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S(O)2R41, wherein R41 is Cl to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and R2 and C (O) X are cis to one another, comprising: (a) admixing a compound having the structure VI: wherein, R, and RZ are, independently, from C, to C, z branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X is OR3, wherein R3 is from Cl to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S (O) 2R4,, wherein R4, is Cl to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and the hydroxyl group and amide group are cis to one another,

with a cyclization agent.

The applicants have discovered a method for preparing a compound having the structure I, wherein R2 and C (O) X are cis to one another. The cis and trans isomers of compound I are shown in Scheme I. The art heretofore only disclosed a method for making the trans isomer of compound I.

The use of a cyclization agent is necessary to cyclize compound VI to compound I. An example of a cyclization agent useful in the present invention is triflic anhydride with pyridine. Experimental conditions for the production of I via the cyclization of VI are outlined in the forthcoming examples.

The invention further relates to a compound having the formula I: wherein, R, and R2 are, independently, from C, to C,, branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X is OR3, wherein R3 is halogen; C, to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; aralkyl; acyl, or S (O) 2R4" wherein R4, is Cl to C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and R2 and C (O) X are cis to one another.

Compound having the structure I, wherein the compound is the cis isomer, are not disclosed in the art. In one embodiment, Ri and R2 are phenyl; R, is methyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In another embodiment, R, and R2 are phenyl; R3 is tert- butyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In another embodiment, R, and R, are phenyl; R3 is isopropyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In another embodiment, R, and R2 are phenyl; R3 is phenyl; and the stereochemistry at a is S. In another embodiment, R, and R2 are phenyl; R3 is 2,3-dimethyl propyl, wherein the stereochemistry at the 2- position is S; and the stereochemistry at a is S.

In another embodiment, compound IV can be used to esterify an alcool. In this case, R9 and R, o are, independently, an aralkyl or C (O) R31, wherein R3, is Cl to Cl2 straight chain or branche alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or aralkyl; Relis from C, to C, 2 branchez or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R, 2 is silyl; alkyl; aryl; acyl; or aralkyl; and Y is a halogen or OR13, wherein R13 is from C, to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl. In one embodiment, Rg is benzyl; RIO is (X-methyl benzyl; Rllis phenyl; R12 is C (O) Ph; R13 is tert-butyl; and the stereochemistry at b is S. In another embodiment, P., is benzyl; R10 is α-methyl benzyl; R, I is phenyl; R12 is C (O) Ph; R13 is methyl; and the stereochemistry at b is S. In yet another embodiment, F., is benzyl; R, o is α-methyl benzyl; Relis phenyl; Rl2 is C (O) Ph; Y is chloride; and the stereochemistry at b is S. As described above, the stereochemistry at C2 does not have to be set; therefore, NR9RIo and OR, 2 can be syn or anti to one another.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure IV:

wherein, R9 and R, o are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R, 2 is acyl, silyl, alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; and Y is OR, 3, wherein R, 3 is from Cl to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, comprising: (a) admixing a base and a compound having the structure IX: wherein,

R, and Rlo are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and Y is OR, 3, wherein R, 3 is from C, to C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl, or S (O) 2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, 2 branche or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, to produce an intermediate, and (b) admixing the intermediate of step (a) with an esterification agent, a silylating agent, or an alkylating agent.

Treatment of compound IX with a base results in deprotonation of the hydroxyl proton to generate the corresponding alkoxide. The alkoxide is referred to as the intermediate recited above. The alkoxide is not isolated, but subsequently treated with an esterification agent, a silylating agent, or an alkylating agent to produce compound IV. The term"esterification agent"is defined as any agent that will react with an alkoxide to produce an ester. Examples of esterification agents useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, organic anhydrides and acyl halides. In one embodiment, the esterification agent is benzoyl chloride.

The base employed is any compound capable of deprotonating a hydroxyl group. Bases used to generate the ketene compound III and V, such as amides, secondary and tertiary amines, are suitable for deprotonation of the hydroxyl group of IX. In one embodiment, triethyl amine can be used as the base. The experimental conditions for preparing compound IV are presented in the forthcoming examples.

The invention further relates to a compound having the structure IV: wherein, R9 and R,,, are aralkyl; R"is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; R, 2 is acyl, silyl, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl; and Y is a halogen or OR, 3, wherein R13 is from C, to C, Z branched or straight chain alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, acyl, aralkyl, or S (O)2R42, wherein R42 is Cl to C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; or substituted or unsubstituted aryl.

In one embodiment, R9 is benzyl; R, o is a-methyl benzyl; Rl l is phenyl; R12 is C (O) Ph; and Y is tert-butoxy. In another embodiment, R9 is benzyl; R, o is a-methyl benzyl; Rois phenyl; R, 2 is C (O) Ph; and Y is methoxy.

Once the ketene complexes III and V have been generated, the addition of an alcohol or an alkoxide will result in the formation of an ester. The applicants have discovered that a wide variety of alcools can be added to the ketene compound III and V to produce the corresponding ester. Alcools useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, aliphatic alcools, aromatic alcools, cycloaliphatic alcools, or heteroaromatic alcools. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol is a cycloaliphatic alcool. In another embodiment, the alcohol is (2S)-hydroxy-3- methylbutane.

In another preferred embodiment, the alcohol is a compound having the structure 11: wherein, R4 is acetyl or hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen; R6 is benzoyl; R7 is acetyl; and R8 is hydrogen, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CCI3.

As described above, it is advantageous to efficiently attach a side chain to the hydroxyl group at the C-13 position of baccatin and derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, for compound II, R4 and R5 are hydrogen; R6 is benzoyl; R7is acetyl; and R8 is hydrogen, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CCl3. This alcohol is the precursor to taxotere. In another embodiment, R4 and R7 are acetyl; R5 is hydrogen; R6 is benzoyl; and R8 is hydrogen, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CCl3. This alcohol is the precursor to Taxol.

The invention further relates a compound having the structure XIV or XV: wherein, R44 and R45 are, independently, hydrogen; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or R44 and R45 are part of a cycloaliphatic group; when g is a single bond, R41 is hydroxy; acetyl; or C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkoxy;

when g is a double bond, R46 is oxygen; R47 is a Cl-C12 branche or straight chain alkyl ester; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; carboalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R48 is C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; acetyl; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R49 and R50 are, independently, hydrogen; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkoxy; or acetyl, provided that when one of R49 or R50 is hydrogen, the other of R49 and Rso is not hydrogen; when in is a double bond, Rsl is oxygen; when in is a single bond, Rsl is OH or OC (O) R52, wherein Rs2 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or cycloaliphatic; and the hydroxyl group is located at carbon h or i.

Applicants have discovered that compound having the structure XIV and XV are structurally simplifie analogs of Taxol with incorporated structural elements of Taxol which can embody Taxol's biological activity. Due to the difficulty in synthesizing Taxol, simplifie analogs could be advantageous over semi-synthetic analogs of Taxol. The hydroxy group can be positioned at either carbon h or i, and the stereochemistry at these positions can be either R or S. In one embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon h, and the stereochemistry at carbon h is S. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon h, and the stereochemistry at carbon h is R. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon i, and the stereochemistry

at carbon i is S. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon i, and the stereochemistry at carbon i is R.

In another embodiment, R44 and R45 of compound XIV and XV are independently, hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen and methyl. In another embodiment, R44 and R45 are part of a cycloaliphatic group, wherein the cycloaliphatic group can be cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl. In one embodiment, the cycloaliphatic group is a cyclopropyl group. In another embodiment, R47 is methyl ester or methyl. In another embodiment, R48 is hydroxy, ethoxy, propoxy, or derivatized or protected hydroxy. The term"derivatized or protected hydroxy"refers to hydroxyl group that has been converted to a alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkoxy group, an acyloxy group or a silyloxy group. In another embodiment, m is a single bond and R52 is phenyl or cyclohexyl.

In one embodiment, when the compound has the structure XIV, R44 and R45 are hydrogen; g is a double bond; R47 is C (O) OMe; the stereochemistry at carbon p is R; R48 is methyl; the stereochemistry at carbon k is S; R48 is methyl; R49 is methyl; the stereochemistry at carbon q is R; R50 is hydrogen; the stereochemistry at carbon r is S; m is a single bond; R5} is OC (O) Ph; the stereochemistry at carbon j is R; and the hydroxyl group is at carbon h or i. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon h and the stereochemistry at carbon h is R. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon h and the stereochemistry at carbon h is S. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon i and the stereochemistry is S.

In one embodiment, when the compound has the structure XIV, R44 and R45 are hydrogen; g is a double bond; R47 is C (O) OMe; the stereochemistry at carbon p is R; R48 is methyl; the stereochemistry at carbon k is S; R49 is methyl; the stereochemistry at carbon q is R; R50 is hydrogen; the stereochemistry at carbon r is S; m is a double bond; and the hydroxyl group is at carbon h or i. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon h and the stereochemistry at carbon h is R. In another embodiment, the

hydroxyl group is at carbon h and the stereochemistry at carbon h is S. In another embodiment, the hydroxyl group is at carbon i and the stereochemistry at carbon i is S.

Procedures for preparing compound XIV and XV are provided in the forthcoming examples. Using the process of the present invention, compound XIV and XV can be used to esterify alcools.

In another embodiment, the corresponding alkoxide of the alcools described above will also generate an ester when used in the process of the present invention.

Any base that is capable of deprotonating a hydroxyl proton to produce the corresponding oxide anion is suitable in the present invention. Bases useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, potassium hexamethyldisilazide, sodium hexamethyldisilazide, triethylamine, lithium diisopropylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide, dimethylethylamine, potassium hydrie, sodium hydride or lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine.

The present invention also provides a process for the esterification of an alcohol and/or an alkoxide that does not require the use of harsh rection conditions (i. e. elevated temperature, extended rections times). In one embodiment, the base is initially added to compound I or IV prior to the addition of the alcohol or alkoxide. In one embodiment, the amount of base used is less than the amount of compound I or IV.

In a preferred embodiment, an excess amount of base is used relative to the amount of compound I or IV. In the case of compound I, the amount of base employed is from 1 to 10 equivalents, preferably 1 to 1.5 equivalents to 1 equivalent compound I. In another embodiment, when compound IV is used, the amount of base used is from 1 to 10 equivalents to 1 equivalent of compound IV. A slight excess of base relative to compound I and IV is necessary in order to generate the corresponding ketene prior to the addition of the alcohol or alkoxide.

The process of the present invention typically involves the use of a solvent system. Organic solvents known in the art are useful in the present invention.

Examples of organic solvents useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, toluene, dimethoxyethane, t-butyl methyl ether, or a mixture thereof.

Rection temperatures and times can vary when adding the base to compound I and IV. In one embodiment, the base is added to compound I from -50°C to 80°C. In another embodiment, the lower limit of the rection temperature is -45°C, -40°C, - -25°C,-20°C,or-15°C,andtheupperlimitis-5°C,-10°C,-15°C ,-35°C,-30°C, 20°C,-25°C, 0 °C, 20 °C, 40 °C, or 60°C. The base is allowed to react with compound I or IV at from 30 seconds to 3 hours. In another embodiment, the lower time limit can be 1,5,10,15 minutes, and the upper limit can be 2 hours, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or 5 minutes.

Once the ketene complexes III and V have been generated in situ, an alcool, alkoxide, or a combination thereof is added. The amount of the alcohol or alkoxide can be from 1 to 3 equivalents, preferably from I to 2 equivalents, and more preferably from 1 to 1.2 equivalents. The alcohol or alkoxide is allowed to react with the ketene at from 15 minutes to 24 hours, preferably from 15 minutes to 2 hours. In another embodiment, the lower time limit can be 20,25,30,40 or 50 minutes, and the upper limit can be 1 hour, 45 minutes; 1 hour, 30 minutes; 1 hour; or 45 minutes. The temperature at which the alcohol and/or alkoxide can be added to the ketene can be from-50°C to 23 °C. In another embodiment, the lower temperature limit can be -45°C, -40°C, -35°C, -30°C, -25°C or -20°C ; and the lower limit can be 20°C, 15°C, 10°C, -5°,C-10°Cor-20°C.5°C,0°C,

ESTERIFICATION OF ALCOHOLS-PART II In accordance with the purpose (s) of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for preparing an. ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R15 and R16 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R21)3 or C (O) RZZ, wherein each R2, is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R18 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C1 2 alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28) 3 or C (O) Rz9, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; or aralkyl; R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl;

R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C,-Cl2 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R19 is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain Cl-Cl2 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; or aralkyl, with an alkoxide.

The alkoxide is prepared in situ by treating the corresponding alcohol with a base. Bases useful in generating the alkoxide inclue, but are not limited to amides, secondary and tertiary amines. In a preferred embodiment, lithium hexamethyldisilazide, sodium hexamethyldisilazide, potassium hexamethyldisilazide, n-butyllithium, sodium hydrie, potassium hydride or lithium diisopropylamide can be used. Once the alkoxide is produced, it can react with compound VII to generate an ester. Nucleophilic attack at the carbamide followed by the loss of the heterocyclic ring results in the formation of the ester.

The method of the present invention has a number of advantages. First, by varying the stereochemistry of R, of compound VII, it is possible to control the diasteroselectivity of the condensation rection between the alkoxide and compound VII. Second, by varying V and W of compound VII, it is possible to enhance or increase the rection between the alkoxide and compound VII. In one embodiment, V and W are sulfur. In another embodiment, R, 7 is phenyl and R, 8 is benzol. Finally, it is possible to recover the oxazolidine ring and reuse it after the condensation rection.

All of the alcools described above can be converted to the corresponding alkoxide and used in the present invention. In one embodiment, the alkoxide is a compound having the structure VIII: wherein, R23 is acetyl or hydrogen; R24 is hydrogen; R2s is benzoyl; R26 is acetyl; and R27 is hydrogen, C (O) OCH2Ph, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CCI3.

As described above, an efficient method for attaching a side chain at the C-13 position of baccatin or derivatives thereof is not known in the art; thus, the applicants have discovered another method for attaching a side chain to precursors of taxol and derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, for compound VIII, R23 and R24 are hydrogen; R25 is benzoyl; R26is acetyl; and R27 is hydrogen, C (O) OCH2Ph, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CC'3.

This alkoxide is the precursor to taxotere. In another embodiment, R23 and R26 are acetyl; R24 is hydrogen; R25 is benzoyl; and R27 is hydrogen, C (O) OCH2Ph, SiEt3 or C (O) CH2CCI3. This alkoxide is a precursor to Taxol.

In another embodiment, the alkoxide is a compound having the structure XVI or XVII: wherein, R44 and R45 are, independently, hydrogen; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; or R44 and R45 are part of a cycloaliphatic group; when g is a single bond, R46 is hydroxy; acetyl; or C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkoxy; when g is a double bond, R46 is oxygen;

R47 is a C,-C, Z branched or straight chain alkyl ester; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; carboalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R48 is C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aryl; acetyl ; hydroxyalkyl; or derivatized or protected hydroxyalkyl; R49 and Rso are, independently, hydrogen; C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkoxy; or acetyl, provided that when one of R49 or R50 is hydrogen, then the other of R49 and R50 is not hydrogen; when in is a double bond, R5, is oxygen; when m is a single bond, R51 is OC (O) R52, wherein R52 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl; or cycloaliphatic; and the hydroxyl group is located at carbon h or i.

The invention further relates to a compound having the structure VII: wherein,

R, S and R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R21)3 or C (O) R22, wherein each R,, is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C,, alkyl; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C,-C, or straight chain alkyl; R18 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28)3 or C (O) R29, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl; R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R20are,independently,branchedorstraightchainC1-C12alkyl,R19a nd aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R19 is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R, 5 and R16 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (RZ,) 3 or C (O) R22, wherein each R2, is, independently, branche or straight chainCl-C, 2 alkyl; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from Cl-Cl2 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C,-C, 2 branched or straight chain alkyl; 18 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R28)3 or C (O) R29, wherein, each R28 is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C,, alkyl; or aralkyl; R29 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R, 9 is not hydrogen; R30is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; and

V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain Cl-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl, comprising, (a) admixing (i) a compound having the structure X wherein R, 8-R20 are as above, (ii) a Lewis acid; and (iii) a base, to produce a first intermediate; (b) reacting the first intermediate of step (a) with a compound having the structure XI:

wherein R, 5 and R17 are as above, to produce a second intermediate; and (c) admixing the second intermediate of step (b) with a proton source.

Treatment of compound X with a Lewis acid and a base results in the formation of an enolate, which is the first intermediate recited above. In one embodiment, compound X is treated with the Lewis acid prior to the addition of the base. Bases useful for generating the enolate inclue, but are not limited to, potassium hexamethydisilazide, sodium hexamethydisilazide and lithium diisopropylamide. In a preferred embodiment, the base is lithium diisopropylamide. Once the enolate has been prepared in situ, it is treated with the imine compound XI. In a preferred embodiment, R, 5 of the imine is C (O) Ph. The enolate reacts with the imine to generate a ß-amino, a- alkoxyamide, which is the second intermediate recited above. In another embodiment, the Lewis acid facilitates the rection between the enolate and the imine. In one embodiment, the Lewis acid is a zinc, magnesium, aluminum, boron, tin or titanium compound. In another embodiment, the Lewis acid comprises a dialkylboron triflate, stannous triflate, stannic chloride, stannous chloride or titanium tetrachloride.

Once the ß-amino, oc-alkoxyamide is produced, it is quenched with a proton source. Proton sources useful in the present invention inclue, but are not limited to, a weak acid or water.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a compound having the structure VII: wherein, R, 5 rand R, 6 are, independently, hydrogen, Si (R2,) 3 or C (O) OMe, wherein each R2, is, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and R22 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from C1-C12 branched or straight chain alkyl; R, 7 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or from C,-C, Z branched or straight chain alkyl; R18 is hydrogen: R, 9 and R20 are, independently, branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR30, wherein R, 9 is not hydrogen; R30 is branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR43, wherein R43 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl ; or aralkyl, comprising, (a) admixing

(i) a compound having the structure XIII wherein R19-R20 and R22 are as above, (ii) a Lewis acid; and (iii) a first base, to produce a first intermediate; (b) reacting the first intermediate of step (a) with a compound having the structure XI: wherein R, S and R17 are as above, to produce a second intermediate; and (c) admixing the second intermediate with a basic buffer, wherein the buffer comprises a second base.

In a similar rection as described above, the addition of a first base, such as an amide or secondary or tertiary amine, to compound XIII results in the formation of an enolate, which is the first intermediate recited above. Once the enolate has been produced, the imine compound XI is added to produce an ß-amino, α-alkoxyamide, which is the second intermediate. The amide is then treated with a basic buffer to generate compound VII. In one embodiment, the buffer is an aqueous solution of NaHC03 or a phosphate. Upon treatment of the amide intermediate with the basic buffer, the C (O) R22 group migrates from oxygen to nitrogen. The migration of C (O) R22, and in particular, C (O) Ph, from oxygen to nitrogen under basic conditions is well known in the art.

The invention further relates to A method for preparing an ester, comprising admixing a compound having the structure XX: wherein, R60 is branche or straight chain C,-C, Z alkyl; unsubstituted or substituted aryl; aralkyl; Si (R63) 3 or C (O) R64, wherein, each R63 is, independently, branche or straight chain C,-C, z alkyl; or aralkyl;

R64 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or from Cl-C12 branche or straight chain alkyl; R6, and R62 are, independently, hydrogen, branche or straight chain C,-C, 2 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C (O) OR65; R65 is branche or straight chain C1-C12 alkyl; and V and W are, independently, sulfur, oxygen, or NR66, wherein R66 is hydrogen; branche or straight chain Cl-C12 alkyl; or aralkyl, with an alkoxide.

Using the techniques described above, any alkoxide can react with compound XX to produce an ester. In one embodiment, R61 is not hydrogen. In another embodiment, the compound XX has the formula: EXAMPLES The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compound claimed

herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e. g., amonts, temperature, etc.) but some errors and deviations should be accounted for.

Unless indicated otherwise, temperature is in °C or is at room temperature and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

General Procedures Melting points were determined on a Thomas Hoover capillary melting point apparats and are uncorrected. IR spectra were obtained on a Nicolet Impact 400 FT- IR spectrometer using the OMNIC software package.'H NMR spectra were recorde at either 300 MHz on a General Electric QE-300 or at 400 MHz on a Varia-400 spectrometer.'3C NMR were recorde at either 75 MHz on a General Electric QE-300 or at 100 MHz on a Varian-400 spectrometer. Unless otherwise stated, spectra were recorde in deuterated chloroform (CDCl3) with residual chloroform ('H NMR õ 7.26 ppm, l3C NMR 8 77.0 ppm) taken as the internal standard. Elemental analyses were performed by Atlantic Microlab Inc., P. O. Box 2288, Norcross, Georgia. Mass spectra were obtained on either a VG 70-S Nier Johnson or a JEOL Mass Spectrometer, purchased through NIH and NSF as shared instruments. Analytical Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed on pre-coated glass backed plates purchased from EM Science (silica gel 60 F254; 0. 25 mm thickness). Flash chromatography was performed with silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh ASTM) from EM Science. All rections were performed under a dry argon atmosphere in glassware which was flame-dried under vacuum unless otherwise indicated. Solvents were dried using activated 4A molecular sieves. Dry solvents were used unless otherwise indicated. Brine refers to a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl. Saturated NH4Cl solution refers to a saturated aqueous solution of NH4CI.

Compound 1 was prepared using a slightly modifie version of the procedure previously reporte by Sharpless and co-workers (J. Org Chem. 1994,59,5104).

Synthesis of Methyl (4S, SS)-2,4-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-oxazole-5-carboxylate (or 2,4-Diphenyl-4 (S), 5 (S)-dihydro-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester) (2)

A three-necked flask was charged with 1 (2.59 g, 8.66 mmol) and dry CH2Cl2 (43 mL). The suspension was cooled to-30 °C and pyridine (0.84 mL, 10.4 mmol) was added. After stirring for several minutes, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.45 mL, 8.6 mmol) was added dropwise and the rection mixture was gradually warmed from -30 °C to 15 °C with an acetone bath. The rection flask was then removed from the bath and was stirred at room temperature for approximately 4 hours. The rection mixture was then poured into a saturated NaHC03 solution (45 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2x). The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (9: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate increased to 2: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) yielded 2.11 g (87 %) of 2 as a white solid. Rf

0.43 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); mp 135 °C ; IR (CDCI3) 3065,3030,2947,1756, 1656, 1213, 1065, 1HNMR(300MHz,CDCl3)#8.10(d,J=7.14Hz,2H),cm-1; 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.27 (m, 5 H), 5.74, (d, J= 10. 8 Hz, 1 H), 5.38 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.20 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 6 168.3,164.6,136.8,131.8,128.6,128.4, 128.3,128.0,127.9,127.6,126.6,80.9,73.4,51.4; HRMS (FAB): Calcd for (M+H) C17H16NO3, 282.1130; Found, 282.1134; EA Calcd for C"H, SN03: C, 72.57; H, 5.38; N, 4.98; Found: C, 72.67; H, 5.44; N, 4.94.

Synthesis of Methyl (4S, 5R)-2,4-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-oxazole-5-carboxylate (or 2,4-Diphenyl-4 (S), 5 (R)-dihydro-oxazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester) (3) A 15 mL three-necked flask was charged with 2 (69 mg, 0.24 mmol) and dry THF (1.3 mL). The colorless solution was cooled to-50 °C and lithium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (0.25 mL, 1 M solution in THF, 0.25 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes during which time a bright yellow color developed.

The mixture was cooled to-78 °C and quenched with saturated NH4Cl solution (0.5 mL). The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x). The combine organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and evaporated to yield 69 mg (100%) of a mixture of 3 and 2. Crude 1H NMR indicated a 2: 1 ratio of 3 to 2 respectively. The spectral data obtained for 3 was consistent with previously published data. IR 3065,3030, 2952,1756-1735,1656,1452,1069, 695 cm-1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.10 (d, J = 7. 0 Hz, 2 H), 7.43 (m, 8H), 5.45 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.93 (d, J=6. 4Hz, lH), 3.87 (s, 3 H); HRMS (FAB): Calcd. for (M+Li) C, 7H, 5NO3Li, 288.1212; Found, 288.1222.

Synthesis tert-Butyl (4S, 5R)-2,4-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-oxazole-5-carboxylate (4)

A 25 mL three-necked flask was charged with 2 (51.9 mg, 0.18 mmol) and dry THF (1.0 mL). The solution was cooled to 0 °C and lithium tert-butoxide (0.22 mL, 1.0 M solution in THF, 0.22 mmol) was added. After stirring for 10 minutes, the ice bath was removed and the rection warmed to 25 °C. The rection mixture was then diluted with ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combine organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated to yield 45 mg (77 %) of crude 4 which was contaminated with a trace of 2 and 3. Purification by silica gel column chromatography yielded pure 4 which was consistent with previously reporte spectral data for the enantiomer of this compound.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.10 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.41 (m, 8 H), 5.38 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.79 (d, J = 6. 5 Hz, 1 H), 1.55 (s, 9 H).

Esterification of Isopropanol-Synthesis of (4S, 5R)-2,4-Diphenyl-4,5-dihydro- oxazole-5-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester (5)

A 15 mL three-necked flask was charged with 2 (52. 9 mg, 0.19 mmol) and dry THF (0.95 mL). The colorless solution was cooled to -50 °C. After 15 minutes, lithium hexamethyldisilazide (0.22 mL, 1.0 M solution in THF, 0.22 mmol) was added and a bright yellow color developed. After 12 minutes, neat isopropanol (0.5 ml). was added and the rection mixture was warmed gradually to 25 °C over one hour. The rection mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combine organic layers were dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated to yield 40.4 mg (69 %) of a mixture of Sa and 5b. The ratio of 5b (trans) to Sa (cis) was determined to be 6: 1 by crude'H NMR. After purification by silica gel chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in hexanes) pure 5b was isolated as a clear oil which later became a white solid. Rf 0.47 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); IR (CDCI3) 2983,2933,1749,1654, 1062 cm-1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8. 11 (m, 2 H), 7.43 (m, 8 H), 5.41 (d, J=6. 6Hz, 1 H), 5.20 (m, 1 H), 4.86 (d, J=6. 6Hz, 1 H), 1.33 (m, 6 H);'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) õ 169.6,164.1,141.2,131.9,128.8,128.7,128.4, 128.0,126.8,126.5,83.2,74.7,69.6,21.7; HRMS (FAB) : Calcd for (M + Li) C, gH, 9No3Li 316.1525; Found, 316.1519.

Using the procedure described above, t-butanol and (2S)-hydroxy-3- methylbutane were esterified as well.

Synthesis of tert-Butyl-(2S,3S,αS)-3-[N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amino] -2- hydroxy-3-phenyl propionate (6)

Compound 6 was prepared according to the literature procedure previously reporte by Davies and co-workers (Bunnage et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1994,2385). The spectral data below is consistent with the data for the enantiomer of 6 reporte in the literature. IR (CDCl3) 3495,3023,2977,1724,1494,1454,1369,1112, 700 cm-1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.52 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 7.31 (m, 11 H), 4.43 (bs, 1 H), 4.25 (ion, 2 H), 4. 16,3.86 (ABq, J = 15.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.83 (bs, 1 H), 1.24 (d, obscure, 3 H), 1.23 (s, 9 H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) õ 172.0,144.0,141.8, 138. 2, 129.8,128.2,128.0,127.95,127.91,127.5,126.8,126.6,82.0,73.3, 65.5,57.2,52.2, 27.6,14.1; HRMS (FAB): Calcd for (M+Li) C28H33NO3Li, 438.2620; Found, 438.2639.

Synthesis of tert-Butyl-(2S,3S,αS)-3-[N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amino] -2- benzoyl-oxy-3-phenylpropionate (7)

A 25 mL flask was charged with 6 (149.7 mg, 0.34 mmol). Dry triethylamine (0.1 mL, 0.71 mmol) and CH2Cl2 (1 mL) were added and the colorless solution was cooled to 0 °C. Benzoyl chloride (40 pL, 0.34 mmol) was added and the rection was gradually warmed to 25 °C. After approximately 2 hours, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (49 mg, 0.40 mmol) was added along with an additional 40tL of benzoyl chloride and 0.5 mL of CH2C12. (It was later discovered that 0.5 equivalents of DMAP and 1 equivalent of benzoyl chloride was sufficient to drive the rection to completion in about 15 minutes.) After one hour the solvent was evaporated and the residue was

partitioned between ether (6 mL) and water (6 mL). The mixture was extracted with ether (3x) and the organic layer was dried with MgS04, filtered, and evaporated. The crude product was a yellow oil contaminated with white crystals (benzoic acid) which were further precipitated with hexanes and filtered from the crude product. Purification of crude 7 by silica gel column chromatography (5 % ethyl acetate in hexanes) yielded 148 mg (81 %) of pure 7 as a clear oil. Rf 0.60 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); IR (CDCI3) 3024,2977,1727 broad, 1452,1274,1110,700 cm-1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.04 (d, J = 7. 3 Hz, 2 H), 7.73 (d, J = 7. 3 Hz, 2 H), 7.36 (m, 16 H), 5.69 (d, J = 3. 9 Hz, I H), 4.67 (d, J = 3. 9 Hz, 1 H), 4.25 (q, J = 6. 7 Hz, 1 H), 4.02 (m, 2 H), 1.29 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 3 H), 1.22 (s, 9 H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) õ 167.5,165.5,143.9, 141.5,138.2,132.9,129.8,129.7,129.6,128.2,128.1,128.0,127.9, 127.7,127.6, 126.9,126.3,81.9,73.6,63.9, 58. 4,52.2,27.5,15.9; HRMS (FAB): Calcd for (M+Li) C35H37NO4Li, 542.2883; Found, 542.2902.

Synthesis of (2S, 3S, aS)-3- [N-Benzyl-N- (a-methylbenzyl) amino]-2-benzoyl-oxy-3- phenyl-propionic acid (8) A 100 mL flask was charged with 7 (137 mg, 0.25 mmol) and dry CH2C12 (2.5 mL). Trifluoroacetic acid (0.8 mL) was added and the colorless solution was stirred at 25 °C for 3.5 hours. The rection was quenched with several milliliters of a saturated NaHC03 solution and extracted with CH2C12 (3x). The organic layer was dried over MgS04, filtered, and evaporated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (4: 1

hexanes/ethyl acetate increased to 1: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) yielded 82 mg (68 %) of 7 as a pure white foam. Rf 0.06 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); IR (CDC13) 3031,2930, 1726,1269,1113 cm-1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) õ 12.63 (bs, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.38 (m, 18 H), 5.97 (d, J = 9.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.88 (d, J = 9.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (m, 2 H), 3.90 (d, 13.8 Hz, 1 H), 1.37 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3 H);'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) õ 171.0,165.2,138.0,134.1,133.1,132.6,129.7,129.6,129.4,129.1, 129.0,128.9, 128.5,128.4,128.1,68.4,62.8,60.1,51.8,14.7.

Synthesis of Methyl- (2S, 3S, aS)-3- [N-benzyl-N- (a-methylbenzyl) aminol-2-benzoyl- oxy-3-phenylpropionate (9) A 10 mL flask was charged with a 40 % aqueous potassium hydroxide solution (0.9 mL) and dry ether (2 mL). While stirring with a teflon stirbar, nitrosomethyl urea (NMU) (103 mg, 1 mmol) was added. After stirring for 10 minutes open to the atmosphere, the yellow ether layer containing diazomethane was pipette into a vial charged with one KOH pellet as a desiccant. A separate flask was charged with 8 (82 mg, 0.17 mmol) and dry ether (1 mL). After 30 minutes, the diazomethane ether solution was carefully pipette into the clear solution of 8. The clear rection mixture stirred for 20 minutes at 25 °C open to the atmosphere. The rection was monitored by TLC (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) and had not gone to completion. Therefore, another identical batch of diazomethane was prepared exactly as described above and added dropwise to the clear rection mixture until a yellow color persiste, indicating that the

rection was complet. The rection mixture and any remaining excess diazomethane were quenched with acetic acid (2 drops for the rection mixture). The rection mixture was extracted with ether (2x). The ether layer was dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated to yield 71.6 mg (85 %) of pure 9 as a white solid. Rf 0.47 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); IR (CDC13) 3064,3028,2952,1752,1724,1276,1116,904, 736 cm~';'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) õ 7.80 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.36 (m, 18 H), 5.67 (d, J=6. 2Hz, 1 H), 4.60 (d, J=6. 2Hz, 1 H), 4.18 (q, J = 6. 7 Hz, 1 H), 4.06,3.85 (ABq, J = 14.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.56 (s, 3 H), 1.19 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 8 169.2,165.4,143.6,140.4,137.9,133.1,129.7,129.3,128.3,128.2, 128.1, 127.9,127.8,126.9,126.7,73.2,63.8,57.2,52.1,51.9,14.3; HRMS (FAB): Calcd for (M+Li) C32H31NO4Li, 500.2413; Found, 500.2426.

Synthesis of (2S,3S,αS)-3-[N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amino]-2-benzoyl- oxy-3- phenyl-propionic anhydride (10) A 15 mL three-necked flask was charged with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (28.5 mg, 0.15 mmol) and benzene (0.5 mL). A solution of 8 (73. 3 mg, 0. 15 mmol) in dry benzene (2 mL) was added to this clear solution. After stirring for 15 minutes, triethylamine (13.9 p1,0.10 mmol) was added. TLC and IR indicated the presence of a new"anhydride"species although 8 was still present. Over a two hour period, additional triethylamine (47 ul) was added in an attempt to drive the rection toward

anhydride and ketene formation. The rection mixture was then heated to gentle reflux for several hours and additional triethylamine (54 gl) was added before the mixture stirred overnight at 25 °C. The rection mixture was then evaporated and purifie by column chromatography (9: 1 hexane/ethyl acetate increased to 4: 1 hexane/ethyl acetate) to yield 21.8 mg (15 %) of pure 10 as an oil. Identification of 10 was confirme by the fact that upon exposure of 10 to methanol, acid 8 and methyl ester 9 were isolated. Compound 8 and 9 had been previously fully characterized. Rf 0.42 (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); IR 3063,3030,2972,1833,1728,1273,701 crri 1 ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) õ 7.80 (ion, 4 H), 7.30 (ion, 36 H), 5.45 (d, 2 H), 4.57 (d, 2 H), 4.10 (m, 2H), 3.90 (d, 2 H), 3.70 (d, 2 H), 1.16 (d, 6 H).

Synthesis of 2-Benzoyloxy-3-phenyl-propionic Acid (11) A 50 mL three-necked flask was charged with 3-phenyllactic acid (1.0 g, 6.0 mmol) and dry CH2C12 (12 mL). To this white slurry was added benzoyl chloride (1.04 mL, 9.0 mmol) and the mixture was cooled to 0 °C. Triethylamine (0.8 mL, 6.0 mmol) was added and a light yellow solution resulted. 4-Dimethylaminopyridine (367 mg, 3.0 mmol) was added and the rection mixture was warmed to 25 °C and stirred for 3 hours. The rection mixture was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and ether, ethyl acetate, and water were added. The mixture was extracted with ether (3x) and ethyl

acetate, dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (4: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate increased to 1: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) yielded 392 mg (24 %) of 11 as a white solid. Rf 0.15 (1: 1 hexanes/ethyl acetate); mp 113 ° C; IR (CDC13) 3564-2560 (broad acid), 3028,2924,1720 (broad), 1452,1268, 716 cm~';'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 11.25 (s, 1 H), 8.08 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2 H) 7.45 (m, 8 H), 5.56 (m, 1 H), 3.38 (m, 2 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) # 175.5,165.9, 149.9,135.6,133.4,130.1,129.7,129.3,128.9,128.5,128.4,127.1, 72.9,37.2; HRMS (FAB): Calcd for (M + Li) C16H14O4Li, 277.1052; Found, 277.1065; EA Calcd for C16H14O4: C, 71. 10; H, 5.22; Found: C, 71.04; H, 5.24.

1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-dioxo-1,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-4H-naphthalene -4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (12) 1.7 g (10 mmol) of 2,5-dihydroxymethylbenzoate was stirred with 0.9 g (11 mmol) of 2,3-hexadiene in 20 ml of benzene at 10°C. 4.62 g (20 mmol) of Ag2O was added to the rection mixture. Cooling bath was removed and the rection mixture was stirred overnight in darkness. The rection mixture was deluded with 100 ml of Et2O, filtered through 1 inch silica gel plug and concentrated to yield 2.3 g (93%) of 12 as an orange solid.'H NMR (300 MHz, C6H6): 8 1.06 (m, 6H), 2.32 (m, 1H), 2.88 (q, 1H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 3.64 (d, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 6.13 (q, 2H);'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): õ 17.2,17.8,30.1,34.4,53.3,53.5,63.1,128.2,128.6,141.8,142.5,1 71.5,196.7, 198.1; IR (neat): 750.5,918.8,1259.6,1467.7,1680.2,1715.6,1746.6,3114.6 cm-1; HRMS calculated for C, 4H, 6O4+H+: 249.1127, found: 249. 1131. 1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-dioxo-1,5,8,8a-tetrahydro-4H-naphthalene-4a -carboxylic acid methyl ester (13)

2.5 g (10 mmol) of 12 was dissolve in 20 mi of toluene. 1.25 g (11 mmol) of DABCO was added and the rection mixture was stirred for 14 hours at room temperature. The rection mixture was deluded with 100 ml of Et2O, filtered through l inch silica gel plug and concentrated to yield 2.4 g (93%) of 13 as an orange solid.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 8 0.96 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.16 (m, 3H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 3.24 (q, 1H), 3.64 (s, 4H), 5.39 (dd, 1H), 5.64 (m, 1H), 6.58 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d, 1H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): 8 17.2,17.8,30.1,34.4,53.3,53.5,63.1,128.2,128.6,141.8,142.5, 171.5,196.7,198.1; IR (neat): 750.4,918.9,1259.7,1467.7,1680.1,1715.4,1746.7, 3114.5 cm-'; HRMS calculated for C14H16O4+H+ : 249.112, found: 249.114.

1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-methano-9,10-dioxo-1,5,8,8a, 9, 9a10,10a-octahydro-4H- antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (14)

0.5 g (2 mmol) of 13 was stirred with 1.3 g (20 mmol) of freshly distille cyclopentadiene in 20 ml of EtOH at room temperature for 10 hours. The rection mixture was concentrated on rotavap to yield 0.57 g (91%) of 14 as a white solid.'. H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): # 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.03 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.37 (d, 1H), 1.45 (d, 1H), 2.08 (d, 1 H), 2.73 (m, 1H), 3.11 (m, 2H), 3.24 (m, 1H), 3.39 (s, 1H), 3.59 (s, 4H), 5.32 (dd, 1H), 5.62 (m, 1H), 6.16 (m, 1H), 6.22 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 17.85,22.29,30.49,32.79,49.12,49.64,49.83,50.38,50.55,52.49, 53.27,67.45,129.49,131.46,135.60,137.74,169.77,203.95,208.66 ; IR (CDCl3): 732.4,914.9,1214.9,1247.3,1470.4,1705.5,1750.1,2982.4 crri calculated for C, 9H2204+H+: 315.159, found: 315.160.

9-Hydroxy-1,4-dimethyl-5, 8-methano-10-oxo-1, 5,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a-octahydro-4H- anthracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (15) 0.96 g (3 mmol) of 14 was dissolve in 5 ml of anhydrous THF and cooled to- 78°C. 0.8 ml of LAH (1M, THF) was added. After 2 hours TLC indicated no 14 was left. The rection mixture was quenched with 2 g of solid NH4Cl and deluded with 50 ml of ether. The rection mixture was washed with 10% HCl, twice with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column (Hexanes: EtOAc, 4: 1) yielded 0.62 g (65%) of 17.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): # 0.82 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.23 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.28 (m, 2H), 1.37 (d, 1H, J=8 Hz), 1.62 (br. s, 1H), 1.78 (dd,

1H, J=8 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 2.47 (br. m, 1H), 2.96 (m, 2H), 3.21 (s, 1H), 3.44 (m, 1H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.88 (br. t, 1H, J=9.2), 5.38 (dd, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 5.61 (m, 1H), 6.08 (m, I H), 6.21 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 17.55,23.53,34.67,35.55, 40.24,44.06,45.65,48.85,49.50,51.63,52.44,71.86,128.49,133.4 2,135.73,137.28, 169.97,207.56; IR (CDCl3) : 732.4,914.9,1214.9,1247.3,1470.4,1705.5,1750.1, 2982.4,3544.3 cm~'; HRMS calculated for C, 9H2404+H+: 323.1758, found: 323.1775.

9-Benzoyloxy-1,4-dimethyl-5, 8-methano-10-oxo-1, 5,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10-octahydro- 4H-anthracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (16) 0.15 g (0.45 mmol) of 15 was dissolve in 9 ml of 1: 1: 1 mixture of anhydrous CH2C'21 triethylamine and anhydrous DMF. 0.2 ml of benzoyl chloride was added followed by catalytic amount of DMAP (0.01 g). In 24 hours the rection mixture was quenched by pouring into 50 ml of 1: 1 mixture of water and ether. The organic layer was washed with water, twice with saturated solution of ammonium chloride and with NaHC03. Ether solution was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column (Hexanes: EtOAc, 3: 1) yielded 0.12 g (78%) of 16.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3): 8 0.82 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.13 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.23 (m, 2H), 2.16 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 2.37 (br. m, 1H,), 2.86 (s, 1H), 3.01 (dd, 1H, J=3.2 Hz, J=5 Hz), 3.11 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.42 (s, 1H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 5.28 (dd, 1H), J=7.1 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 5.61 (m, 1H, 6.12 (m, 1H), 6.22 (t, 1H, J=9.2), 6.31 (m, 1H), 7.43-8.07 (m, 5H) ;'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): 8 17.44,22.93,34.30,35.88,40.80,46.83,48.84,48.88,51.50, 52.74,64.51,75.83,128.39,128.65,128.92,129.66,129.71,130.19, 132.86,133.18,

133.58,135.83,137.33,166.71,169.97,207.35; IR (neat): 732.4,914.9,1214.9, 1247.3,1470.4,1705.5,1712.2,1750.1,2982.4 cm-1; HRMS calculated for C26H2805+H+: 421.1251, found: 421.1246.

9-Benzoyloxy-1,4-Dimethyl-6-hydroxy-5,8-methano-10-oxo- 1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9, 9a10,10a-decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (17) and 9-Benzoyloxy-1,4-Dimethyl-7-hydroxy-5,8-methano-10-oxo- 1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10, 10a-decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (18) 0.42 g (1 mmol) of 16 was dissolve in 20 ml of anhydrous THF. 1.5 ml of BH3*SMe2 (2M, in THF, 3 eq.) was added to the solution at 0°C. The rection mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 0°C until TLC indicated the complete consumption of 16.

After that the rection mixture was deluded with 10 ml of MeOH 0.1 g of NaOAc was added to the solution as a solid. Finally, 2 ml of 30% H202 was added. After two hours the rection mixture was filtered through l inch silica gel plug, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column yielded 0.44 g (82%) of 2: 1 mixture of alcools 17 and 18.17:'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): õ 0.96 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.13 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.22 (m, 2H), 1.57 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz), 1.83 (m, 2H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 2.43 (br. m, 1H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.86 (m, 1H), 3.04 (m, 1H), 3.15 (m, 1H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 3.78 (d, 1H, J=3 Hz), 5.38 (dd, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 5.61 (t, 1H, J=3.1 Hz), 6.29 (t, 1H,

J=9.4 Hz), 7.43-8.07 (m, 5H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): # 17.68,22.62,34.28, 34.67,40.41,47.72,48.47,49.65,50.84,52.83,64.81,75.35,128.39 ,128.65,128.92, 129.66,129.71,130.19,132.86,133.18,133.58,135.83,137.33,165. 92,169.17, 207.28; IR (CDC13): 732.4,914.9,1214.9,1247.3,1470.4,1705.5,1712.2,1750.1, 2982.4 cm~'; HRMS calculated for C26H3006+Li+: 445.2202, found: 445.2197.18:'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 8 0.94 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.15 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.23 (m, 2H), 1.62 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz), 1.81 (m, 2H), 2.16 (m, 2H), 2.43 (br. m, 1H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.86 (m, 1H), 3.04 (m, 1H), 3.18 (t, 1H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.61 (s, 3H), 4.38 (d, 1H, J=3 Hz), 5.28 (dd, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 5. 61 (m, 1H), 6.22 (t, 1H, J=9.4 Hz), 7.43-8.07 (m, 5H) ;'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) : # 17.44,22.93,34.30,35.88,40.80,46.83,48.84, 48.88, 51. 50,52.74,64.51,75.83,128.39,128.65,128.92,129.66,129.71,130. 19, 132.86,133.18,133.58,135.83,137.33,166.71,169.97,207.35; IR (CDC13): 732.4, 914.9,1214.9,1247.3,1470.4,1705.5,1712.2,1750.1,2982.4 crri calculated for C26H3006+Li+: 445.2202, found: 445.2197.

9-Benzoyloxy-1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-methano-6, 10-dioxo-1, 5,6,7,8,8a, 9, 9a10,10a- decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (19) 0.44 g (1 mmol) of 17 was dissolve in 10 ml of dichloromethane and 0.22 g (1.1 eq) of PCC was added. After stirring for 6 hours at room temperature TLC indicated that no 17 was left. The rection mixture was filtered through 1 inch silica gel plug, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel gravity column (Hexanes: EtOAc, 4: 1) yielded 0.36 g (68%) of 19 as a white foam.'HNMR (300

MHz, CDC13): õ 0.84 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.15 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.23 (m, 2H), 1.62 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz), 2.16 (m, 3H), 2.43 (br. m, 2H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 3.09 (m, 4H), 3.42 (t, 1H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.61 (s, 3H), 5.28 (dd, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, J=3.1 Hz), 5.61 (m, 1H), 6.32 (t, 1H, J=9.8 Hz), 7.43-8.07 (m, 5H) ;'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3): õ 17.58,22.93,34. 16, 36.32,39.73,40.86,47.83,52.91,54.76,64.78,74.73,128.75,129.0 6,129.71,132.19, 133.86,135.83,147.33,166.71,169.97,203.35,213.28; IR (CDC13): 732.4,1064.1, 1111.3,1274.9,1446.5.4,1446.5,1712.5,1743.1,2847.3,2924.4 cm~'; HRMS calculated for C26H2806+Lit: 445.2202, found: 445.2197.

9-Benzoyloxy-1,4-Dimethyl-6-hydroxy-5,8-methano-10-oxo- 1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a-decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (20) 0.44 g (1 mmol) of 19 was dissolve in 20 ml of anhydrous toluene and 1.1 ml of lithium tritertbutoxyaluminun hydride (1M, THF) was added at 0°C. The rection mixture was stirred for 20 hours then was quenched with 3 ml of saturated solution of ammonium chloride and deluded with 20 ml of ether. the rection mixture was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Preparative TLC yielded 0.41g (86%) of 20 as colorless oil. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 1.06 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.17 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.44 (ion, 2H), 1.89 (m, 1H), 2.08 (dd, 2H, J=3.0 Hz, J=5.2 Hz), 2.31 (m, 1H), 2.39 (dd, 1H, J=9.8 Hz, J=3.8 Hz), 2.81 (m, 1H), 3.08 (m, 2H), 3.18 (m, 1H), 3.58 (m, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 5.38 (m, 1H), 5.64 (m, 1H), 5.96 (dd, 1H, J=9.8 Hz, J=3.8 Hz), 7.34-8.08 (m, 5H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3): õ 19.14,

23.05,34.34,36.18,37.15,37.46,37.88,40.44,41.04,46.73,48.53, 52.44,57.02, 78.10,80.97,126.27,128.38,128.42,128.54,129.24,129.60,130.13 ,132.63,133.01, 166.09,171.05,176.39,205.66; IR (neat): 732.4,1064.1,1111.3,1274.9,1446.4, 1446.5,1712.5,1743.1,2847.3,2924.4 cm~'; HRMS calculated for C26H3006+Li+ : 445.2202, found: 445.2197.

1,4-Dimethyl-7-hydroxy-5,8-methano-9,10-dioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8 a, 9,9a, 10,1 osa- decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (21), 1,4-Dimethyl-6- hydroxy-5,8-methano-9,10-dioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a-decahydro-4H- antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (22) and 1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-methano- 9,10-dioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,10a-decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (23)

HydroborationI.Catalytic 0.48 g (1.5 mmol) of 20 was dissolve in 20 ml of anhydrous THF. 0.01 g of Wilkinson's catalyst was added to the solution at 0°C. After 20 min. 0.25 ml of BH3*SMe2 (2M, in THF) was added dropwise. Cooling bath was removed and the rection mixture was stirred at 23°C overnight. After 24 hours the rection mixture was deluded with 10 ml of MeOH. 2.5 ml of NaOH (3N) was added followed by 0.35 ml of 30% H202. After additional hour the rection mixture was filtered through 1 inch silica gel plug, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column yielded 0.37 g (70%) of 20 and 0.09 g (18%) of 2: 1 mixture of alcools 21 and 22.

II. Hydroboration with excess of BH3*SMe2 0.48 g (1.5 mmol) of 20 was dissolve in 20 ml of anhydrous THF at 0°C. 2.25 ml of BH3*SMe2 (2M, in THF, 3 eq.) was added to the solution. Rection was stirred for 2 hours at 0°C until TLC indicated the complete consumption of 20. After that the rection mixture was deluded with 10 ml of MeOH. 2.5 ml of NaOH (3N) was added followed by 3 ml of 30% H202. After additional hour the rection mixture was filtered through 1 inch silica gel plug, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column yielded 0.44 g (82%) of 2: 1 mixture of alcools 21 and 22 and 0.04 g (7%) of 23.21:'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): 8 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.15 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.37 (ion, 2H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.08 (d, 2H), 2.73 (ion, 1H), 2.79 (m, 3H), 2.91 (m, 1H), 3.08 (in, IH), 3.18 (q, 1H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.79 (d, 1H), 5.38 (in, 1H), 5.69 (in, IH); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 17.85,23.29,30.49,32.79,34.15,37.55,42.55,49.12, 49.64,50.38,52.49,53.27,67.45,69.55,128.49,131.46,169.77,203 .95,208.66; IR (CDC13): 744.4,918.9,1213.9,1280.3,1376.4,1464.1,1700.5,1727.1,2923.4 cm-1; HRMS calculated for C19H22O4+Li+: 339.1784, found: 339.1780.22:'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 0.88 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.11 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.33 (m, 2H), 1.79 (ion, 1H), 2.08 (d, 2H), 2.71 (m, 1H), 2.79 (m, 3H), 2.93 (m, 1H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 3.18 (q, 1H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.72 (d, 1H, J=3.2 Hz), 5.38 (m, 1H), 5.69 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (75

MHz, CDC13): 6 17.85,23.24,30.43,32.79,34.15,37.54,42.55,49.22,49.64,50.38, 52.49,53.27,66.45,69.32,128.45,131.43,169.77,203.91,208.71; IR (CDCl3) : 744.4, 918.9,1213.9,1280.3,1376.4,1464.1,1700.5,1727.1,2923.4 cm-1; HRMS calculated for C, 9H22O4+Li+ : 339.1784, found: 339.1780.23:'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): a 0.96 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.13 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.21-1.57 (m, 4H), 2.22 (d, 1H), 2.73- 3.08 (m, 4H), 3.22 (m, 1H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 5.38 (dd, 1H), 5.68 (m, 1H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) : õ 17.93,22.57,24.67,25.04,30.77,32.68,39.01,42.40,43.49,49.58, 50.23,50.99,52.48,53.08,67.90,129.17,131.53,169.52,205.07,20 9.43; IR (neat): 733.8,914.3,1216.5,1248. 1,1460. 2,1703.8,1739.8,2971.4 cm-1; HRMS calculated for C, 9Hz4O4+H+: 317.1753, found: 317.1741.

1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-methano-7,9,10-trioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,1 Oa-decahydro-4H- antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (24)

0.16 g (0.5 mmol) of 22 was dissolve in 10 ml of dichloromethane and 0.11 g (1.1 eq) of PCC was added. After stirring an for 6 hours at room temperature TLC indicated that no 21 was left. The rection mixture was filtered through 1 inch silica gel plug, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column (Hexanes: EtOAc, 4: 1) yielded 0.12 g (73%) of 24 as a white foam.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) : 8 0.82 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.12 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.77 (m, 2H), 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 3.11 (m, 3H), 3.32 (m, 1H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 5.38 (m, 1H), 5.69 (m, 1H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13): õ 17.68,22.32,30.75,31.48,32.46, 37.78,41.43,42.19,49.68,51.33,53.26,54.36,67.47,129.16,130.9 2,169.41,200.71,

207.71,212.73; IR (CDC13): 732.8,915.6,1075.0,1154.7,1220.3,1248.4,1464.1, 1712.5,1750.0,2954.7 cm-'; HRMS calculated for C, 9H22O4+Li+: 337.1627, found: 337.1622.

1,4-Dimethyl-5,8-methano-6,9,10-trioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10,1 Oa-decahydro-4H- antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (25) A solution of 85 mg (I. I mmol) of freshly dried DMSO in 1 ml of anhydrous CH2Cl2 was added to a solution of 70 mg (0.55 mmol) of oxalyl chloride in 1.2 ml of anhydrous CH2Cl2, stirred and cooled to-78°C. After stirring an additional 5 min., a solution of 0.16 g (0.5 mmol) of 22 dissolve in 1 ml of was anhydrous CH2Cl2 added dropwise over 10 min. After stirring an additional 15 min. at-78°C, the rection mixture was warmed up to -10°C and 0.35 ml (2.5 mmol) of dried Et3N was added dropwise over 30 min. Finally, cooling bath was removed and the rection mixture was warmed up to room temperature. After 45 min. 100 ml of EtOAc was added followed by 20 ml of water. Organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Silica gel column (Hexanes: EtOAc, 4: 1) yielded 0.12 g (73%) of 27 as a white foam.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13): õ 0.92 (d, 3H, J=6.9 Hz), 1.07 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 1.77 (m, 1H), 1.85 (ion, 2H), 2.08 (ion, 2H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 3.08 (m, 3H), 3.32 (q, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 5.38 (dd, 1H), 5.69 (m, 1H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3): õ 17. 81, 21.98,30.42,32.47,37.96,40.69,42.95,49.15,49.27,50.50,53.33, 67.45,56.75, 68.03,128.91,131.16,169.31,204.11,205.08,212.63; IR (neat): 732.8,915.6,1075.0, 1154.7,1220.3,1248.4,1464.1,1712.5,1750.0,2954.7 cm~'; HRMS calculated for Cl9H2204+Li+: 337.1627, found: 337.1622. 1,4-Dimethyl-6-hydroxy-5,8-methano-9,10-dioxo-1,5,6,7,8,8a, 9,9a, 10, 1 Oa- decahydro-4H-antracene-4a-carboxylic acid methyl ester (26)

0.08 g of 25 (0.23 mmol) was dissolve in 5 ml of anhydrous THF and 0.25 ml of DIBAL-H (I M, Hexanes) was added at 0°C. the rection mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours then was quenched with 5 ml of 10% HCI and deluded with 20 ml of ether. the rection mixture was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Preparative TLC yielded 0. 041g (50%) of 26 as colorless oil.'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): # 1.11 (m, 3H), 1.20 (m, 3H), 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.73 (m, 1H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 3.39 (d, 1H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 4.42 (m, 1H), 5.42 (m, 1H), 5.72 (m, 1H) ; 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3): 8 17.75,23.29,31.49,32.79,34.15,37.55,42.55,48.12,49.64,50.38, 52.49,53.27, 67.45,73.55,128.49,133.46,169.77,205.00,207.50; IR (neat): 744.4,1100.9,1228.3, 1249.6,1382.4,1461.9,1700.9,1727.1,2923.4 cm~'; HRMS calculated for C19H22O4+H+: 333. 1702, found: 333.1692.

Synthesis of 27

To a solution of 4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazolidine thione (1.01 g, 6.28 mmol) in CH2Cl2 at 78°C under N2 was added pyridine (0.75 mL, 9.27 mmol). After stirring for 5 min at-78 °C, a solution of benzyloxyacetyl chloride (1.486,8.05 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (2 mL) was added dropwise. The rection mixture was stirred at-78°C for 1 hr and then warmed to room temperature and stirred for 45 min. The rection mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2 (20 mL) and washed sequentially with H20 (20 mL), 5% oxalic acid (2 x 20 mL), H20 (20 mL) and the organic layer was dried with Na2S04. Removal of solvent under vacuum followed by flash chromatography using hexanes: ethyl aceate (10: 1) yielded A (80%). 1H (CDC13,400 MHz) 8 7.30-7.45 (m, 5H), 5.20 (ion, 1H), 5.00 (AB-q, 2H, J = 1.72 Hz), 4.65 (AB-q, 2H, J = 3.2 Hz, J = 12 Hz), 3.59 (dd, 1H, J = 8 Hz, J = 11. 2 Hz), 3.08 (dd, 1H, J = 1.2 Hz, J = 11. 16 Hz), 2. 38 (m, 1H), 1.06 (d, 3H, J = 6.8 Hz), 0.99 (d, 3H, J = 6. 8 Hz).

Synthesis of Compound 28

To 7-C (O) OCH2Ph-Baccatin III (0.0512 g, 0.0711 mmol) in THF (1 mL) under N2-78°C was added n-BuLi (0.05 mL, 1.6 M, 0.08 mmol). The rection mixture was slowly warmed up to 0°C to a solution of 27 (0.023 g, 0.0765 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added dropwise. After stirring for 10 min, the rection mixture was quenched with saturated NH4Cl (1 mL) and diluted with H20 (10 mL) and ether (10 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ether (2 x 10 mL). The combine organics were washed with H20 (10 mL), brine (2 x 8 mL) and dried with Na2SO4.

Flash chromatography using hexanes: ethyl acetate (3: 1) yielded 28 (53%). 1H (CDCl3, 300 MHz) 5 8.06 (d, 2H, J = 7.8), 7.3-7.65 (ion, 13H), 6.42 (s, 1H), 6.27 (t, 1H, J = 8.4Hz), 5.66 (d, 1H, J = 6.9 Hz), 5.53 (dd, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz, J = 10.5 Hz), 5.21 (AB-q, 2H, J = 11. 7 Hz), 4.94 (d, 1H, J = 9. 0 Hz), 4.69 (s, 2H), 4.30 (d, 2H, J = 8.1 Hz), 4.21 (d, 2H, J = 2.1 Hz), 4.13 (d, 1H, J = 8.7 Hz), 3.95 (d, 1H, J = 6.6 Hz), 2.64-2.52 (ion, 1H), 2.3-2.2 (ion, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.04-1.92 (m, 1H, 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.23 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 3H).

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this inventionpertains.

Although the present methods and compound have been described with reference to specific details of certain embodiments thereof, it is not intended that such details should be regarde as limitations upon the scope of the invention except as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.