A LHASA ANALYSIS OF TAXOL

A retrosynthetic analysis using the computer program LHASA of the prom ising antitumor agent taxol (1) is described, which resulted in a synt hetic route with the following key steps: an intramolecular Diels-Alde r reaction generating the AB rings, and the coupling reactions of the required diene and dienophile with a CD-ring fragment. The feasibility of the route is studied by comparing the LHASA analysis with related chemistry from the literature. Finally, a critical discussion about th e usability of the LHASA program for the planning of complex organic m olecules is given.