Lead tetracetate oxidation of 6 alpha-hydroxy-7-epi-paclitaxel leads t
o C-nor-paclitaxel and C-seco-paclitaxel derivatives. Tetrapropylammon
ium permthenate (TPAP) oxidation of a 6 alpha-hydroxy-7-epi-paclitaxel
derivative leads to a 6-formyl-C-nor-paclitaxel derivative. Reaction
of a 6 alpha-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-7-epi-paclitaxel derivative wi
th DMAP yields a l-4-deacetyl-5,6-dehydro-6-formyl-C-nor-paclitaxel de
rivative. C-nor-paclitaxel analogs are less active than paclitaxel. (C
) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.