Materials and methods for synthesizing stilbenes

摘要

The present invention relates materials and methods for synthesizing stilbenes, and in particular to processes for the synthesis of substituted stilbenes such as combretastatin A4. The present invention relates in particular to methods which are stereoselective for either the cis or the trans isomer of the substituted stilbene, using a Perkin-type condensation of an arylacetic acid and a substituted benzaldehyde, followed by a decarboxylation reaction to produce the substituted cis-stilbenes or a Suzuki-type reaction involving a Z or E-ethenyl halide and a substituted boronic acid in the presence of a palladium catalyst to produce specifically either the Z or E-isomer of substituted stilbenes.