Total syntheses of kurasoins A and B, novel protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors, and absolute structures of kurasoins A and B

Asymmetric total syntheses of kurasoins A (1) and B (2), recently discovere d protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase) inhibitors, have been achieved in se ven steps from 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol via the stereospecific alkylation of the chiral epoxide ((-)-7) and in four steps from phenylacetaldehyde vi a the coupling reaction of the chiral epoxide ((-)-13) with indole, respect ively. The synthesis defined the (3S) absolute configuration of 1 and 2. Th e stereochemistry of the hydroxy group is important for eliciting PFTase in hibition.