A Short Entry to α-Substituted γ-Alkylidene Pentenolides. Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Evaluation of Novel Gelastatin Analogues

Biologically interesting 2-substituted 4-alkylidene pentenolides were prepared with complete control of regio- and stereoselectivity from 2-iodo allylic alcohols via an array of Pd-catalyzed processes, including alkynylation with methyl propiolate, tributyltin hydride addition, and α-functionalization. Some of the compounds possess selective cytostatic activity against ovarian carcinoma HeLa S3 and leukemia CCRF-CEM cell lines.