New analogues of paclitaxel (1a, active constituent of Taxol((R))) were syn
thesized containing an epoxide at the C-10 position. The introduction of th
e epoxide was carried out by selective removal of the C10-acetate followed
by protection of the C2 ' -and C7-hydroxyl groups. After oxidation to yield
a ketone at the C10-position, this intermediate was reacted with dimethyls
ulfonium ylide. Deprotection and further manipulations provide the C10-spir
o epoxide of paclitaxel (1b) and the corresponding C7-MOM ether (1c). (C) 2
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