A novel approach for the synthesis of lophocladines A, B and C1 analogues

A novel approach for the syntheses of lophocladines A and B has been developed. These compounds were prepared in 4–6 steps with moderate to excellent overall yields. The key step involved the nucleophilic substitution of 4-chloronicotinic acid with the carbanion generated from phenylacetonitrile. Subsequent reduction of the cyano group, lactamization and oxidation furnished lophocladine A in 50% yield over 4 steps. Further amination with various amines led to lophocladine B and its C1 analogues in good yields. In addition, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against leukaemia cells.