Solamargine, (25R)-3 beta-{O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-[O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy}-22 alpha-N-spirosol-5-ene, has been synthesized in 13 steps in a 10.5% overall yield starting from the naturally abundant diosgenin. Condensation of a partially protected glucopyranosyl donor with an oxaza-spiro moiety, which was formed in one-pot azido reduction, significantly improved the synthesis of desired molecule. The target compound exhibited good cytotoxic activities against tumor cells HeLa, A549, MCF-7, K562, HCT116, U87, and HepG2 with IC(50) ranging from 2.1 to 8.0 mu M. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
26-O-beta -D-Glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-25(R)-furost-5-en-3 beta -ol 3-O-beta -D-glucopyranoside is synthesized from diosgenin in 11 steps and 26% overall yield. The present synthetic route represents the first one to furostan saponins. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.