Kumada–Corriu Cross Coupling Route to the Anti-Cancer Agent Combretastatin A-4

Abstract

A short and efficient synthesis of the anticancer agent combretastatin A-4 was accomplished from inexpensive starting materials using the iron-catalyzed cross-coupling of a Grignard reagent and a bromostilbene as the key step.

Keywords:

• Anticancer
• cross-coupling
• iron catalysis
• stilbene

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Support by James W. Herndon, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, USA, is gratefully acknowledged.