The squalestatins: effects of changes at the allylic centre in the C1 sidechain

Abstract The C4′ acetoxy group in squalestatin 2a has been replaced by alkoxy, acyloxy and acetamido groups. The ethers 5b, 5c, 5e and 5g retain SQS inhibitory activity equivalent to that of 2a and are metabolically more stable. All other compounds tested are significantly less active.