Application of Ring-Closing Metathesis Reactions in the Synthesis of Epothilones

There is wide interest in the epothilones, which like the taxoids initiate cytotoxicity through microtubule stabilization. Briefly described is an application of a ring-closing metathesis reaction toward the synthesis of epothilones as carried out in our laboratory. This has led to the discovery of the (E)-9,10-dehydroepothilones as second-generation anticancer drug candidates.