Total synthesis of 6′-hydroxyjusticidin A

Abstract

The first total synthesis of 6′-hydroxyjusticidin A, isolated from Justicia procumbens L. with good inhibitory activity against cancer cells, has been accomplished. The structure was confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. The key steps involved a Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction and a reduction in NaBH₄.

Keywords:

• total synthesis
• 6′-hydroxyjusticidin A
• anticancer

Acknowledgements

Financial support was provided by the Basic Research Special Fund of Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2011CHX16); Major Scientific and Technological Special Project for ‘Significant New Drugs Innovation’ (2009ZX09301-003); and Special Scientific Project for the Ministry of Health of China (200802038).