Design and 22-step synthesis of highly potent D-ring modified and linker-equipped analogs of spongistatin 1

Spongistatin 1 is among the most potent anti-proliferative agents ever discovered rendering it an attractive candidate for development as a payload for antibody–drug conjugates and other targeted delivery approaches. Unfortunately, it is unavailable from natural sources and its size and complex stereostructure render chemical synthesis highly time- and resource-intensive. As a result, the design and synthesis of more acid-stable and linker functional group-equipped analogs that retain the low picomolar potency of the parent natural product requires more efficient and step-economical synthetic access. Using uniquely enabling direct complex fragment coupling crotyl- and alkallylsilylation reactions, we report a 22-step synthesis of a rationally designed D-ring modified analog of spongistatin 1 that is characterized by GI 50 values in the low picomolar range, and a proof-of-concept result that the C(15) acetate may be replaced with linker functional group-bearing esters with only minimal reductions in potency. Step-economical and efficient syntheses of Spongistatin 1 analogs are desirable for the development of potent anti-proliferative agents. Here, the authors report a 22-step synthesis of a D-ring modified Spongistatin 1 analog with retained picomolar potency among a group of C(15) ester derivatives.