The role of Lawesson's reagent in the total synthesis of macrocyclic natural products

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

This review, including 111 references, describes the applications of Lawesson's reagent (LR) [2,4-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane-2,4-dithione] for the total synthesis of macrocyclic natural products. LR is a versatile reagent and shows excellent regioselectivity, chemoselectivity, and offers the products in high yield. The thionation of carbonyl moieties present in macrocyclic natural products, and cyclization to construct key heterocyclic fragments is described. Moreover, this review highlights the medicinal significance of the natural products.

KEYWORDS:

• Lawesson's reagent
• macrocycles
• total synthesis
• thionation
• medicinal value

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan, for providing a conducive environment for research activities.