A novel reduced taxane, 13-acetyl-9(R)-dihydrobaccatin III (1) has bee
n isolated from Taxus canadensis. The selective C-13 deacetylation of
this isolate has allowed for the preparation of a wide variety of 9(R)
-dihydrotaxane analogs. In general, this series has shown greater stab
ility and water solubility than the 9-carbonyl series while retaining
antimicrotubule and tumor cell cytotoxicity activities relative to tax
ol. Placement of polar functionalities at the C-7 position results in
loss of activity whereas alkylation or acylation of either C-7 or C-9
hydroxyl groups ameliorate the activity.