Total Synthesis of Taxoids

Introduction Taxoids are a family of diterpene alkaloids sharing a tricyclic taxane core (Figure 9.1A). The most well recognized member of the taxoid family is taxol (Figure 9.1B), a minor cytotoxic component isolated from yew bark (Wani et al., 1971). Taxol was reported as an antimitotic agent exhibiting its biological activity by promoting the irreversible assembly of tubulin into microtubules (Schiff et al., 1979). It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of ovarian and breast cancers in the early 1990s.