Synthesis of novel kavain-like derivatives and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity

Palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions (Sonogashira-Hagihara, Suzuki-Miyaura, and Heck) coupling and nickel hydride-mediated tandem isomerization aldolisation have been used for the synthesis of three series of δ-valerolactones substituted in positions 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the lactone ring. The 26 kavaïn-like derivatives were tested against three cell lines and five of them exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity.