There is provided a novel and efficient stereoselective total synthesis of epipodophyllotoxin and related epipodophyllotoxin compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, taken together, is methylenedioxy; R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy; and R.sup.5 is hydrogen or a phenol-protecting group; or an acid addition salt thereof. The present invention also provides novel intermediates and processes for the preparation of said intermediates, which are then converted into known antineoplastic agents.
提供了一种新颖而高效的立体选择性全合成epipodophyllotoxin及相关的epipodophyllotoxin化合物,其一般式为##STR1##其中,R.sup.1和R.sup.2各自独立地为氢或(较低的)烷氧基,或者R.sup.1和R.sup.2一起为亚甲二氧基;R.sup.4和R.sup.6各自独立地为氢或(较低的)烷氧基;R.sup.5为氢或
苯酚保护基;或其酸加成盐。本发明还提供了新的中间体和制备这些中间体的工艺,然后将它们转化为已知的
抗肿瘤药物。