Intermediates for the production of epipodophyllotoxin and related compounds and processes for the preparation and use thereof

摘要

There is provided a novel and efficient stereoselective total synthesis of epipodophyllotoxin and related epipodophyllotoxin compounds of the general formula <IMAGE> wherein R1 and R2 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy, or R1 and R2, taken together, is methylenedioxy; R4 and R6 each are independently hydrogen or (lower)alkoxy; and R5 is hydrogen or a phenol-protecting group; or an acid addition salt thereof. The present invention also provides novel intermediates and processes for the preparation of said intermediates, which are then converted into known antineoplastic agents.