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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
A Domino 10-Step Total Synthesis of FR252921 and Its Analogues, Complex Macrocyclic Immunosuppressants
Yong Chen1, Guilhem Coussanes1, Caroline Souris1
1Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Vienna , Währinger Strasse 38 , 1090 Vienna , Austria.
Abstract:
FR252921, FR252922, and FR256523 are a family of potent macrocyclic polyene immunosuppressive agents with a novel mode of action. However, the lack of an efficient and flexible synthesis has hindered further biological studies, mostly due to the fact that the natural products appear to be kinetic isomers regarding the triene moiety. Herein, we report the development and application of an unprecedented, unique domino Suzuki-Miyaura/4π-electrocyclic ring-opening macrocyclization, resulting in a concise, unified, and stereoselective synthetic route to these complex targets in only 10 steps. This in turn enables ready access to a range of unnatural analogues, among which several compounds showed inhibition of T-lymphocyte proliferation at levels equal or superior to those of the natural products themselves.
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