Organolithium mediated synthesis of prenylchalcones as potential inhibitors of chemoresistance

A number of substituted chalcones have been prepared by a novel LiHMDS-medi ated aldol condensation, the first method consistent with the use of alkali -labile protecting groups such as tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or tert-butyldime thylsilyl. Chalcone substitution by prenylation increases their binding aff inity to P-glycoprotein responsible for cancer cells chemoresistance. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.