Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Strategy for Sensitive, Large Scale Quantitative Metabolomics
Published on: May 27, 2014
A formal synthesis of (-)-mycalamide A
Barry M Trost1, Hanbiao Yang, Gary D Probst
1Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, USA. bmtrost@stanford.edu
Abstract:
Novel strategies are developed for an efficient formal synthesis of (-)-mycalamide A. The left-hand side (-)-7-benzoylpederic acid is synthesized from (2S,3S)-2,3-epoxybutane. The key features include a highly regioselective Ru-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling reaction and a novel way to control the challenging C(7) stereocenter. The right-hand side was synthesized from (R)-pantolactone. The complex trioxodecalin core is constructed with two Pd(0)-catalyzed O-pi-allyl cyclizations. The first one is chemoselective, while the second one is highly diastereoselective. Three additional steps would be required to complete a total synthesis of (-)-mycalamide A.
Related Concept Videos
Organic Compounds
Amino acids
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Overview
Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Acid Halides, Esters, and Acid Anhydrides
The IUPAC and common names of acid halides are derived from the corresponding carboxylic acids, by changing “ic acid” to “yl halide.” For example, as shown below, the IUPAC name ethanoyl chloride is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetyl chloride, is obtained from acetic acid.
Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Amides and Nitriles
The IUPAC and common names of amides are derived from the parent carboxylic acid, by replacing the suffix “oic acid” and “ic acid,” respectively, with “amide.” In the following example, the IUPAC name ethanamide is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetamide, is obtained from acetic acid.
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways

