Peroxides with Anthelmintic, Antiprotozoal, Fungicidal and Antiviral Bioactivity: Properties, Synthesis and Reactions

The biological activity of organic peroxides is usually associated with the antimalarial properties of artemisinin and its derivatives. However, the analysis of published data indicates that organic peroxides exhibit a variety of biological activity, which is still being given insufficient attention. In the present review, we deal with natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides exhibiting anthelmintic, antiprotozoal, fungicidal, antiviral and other activities that have not been described in detail earlier. The review is mainly concerned with the development of methods for the synthesis of biologically active natural peroxides, as well as its isolation from natural sources and the modification of natural peroxides. In addition, much attention is paid to the substantially cheaper biologically active synthetic peroxides. The present review summarizes 217 publications mainly from 2000 onwards.

In the present review, we deal with natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides exhibiting anthelmintic, antiprotozoal, fungicidal, antiviral and other activities that have not been described in detail earlier. The review is mainly concerned with the synthesis of such peroxides, as well as its isolation from natural sources and covers literature published between 1912 and 2017.
There are several review articles, where the various kinds of the biological activity of artemisinin [43][44][45] and artemether [46,47]; the problems of trematode infection therapy with artemisinin, its derivatives and several synthetic ozonides [48]; and antiviral activity of artemisinin and artesunate [49] are discussed. Advances in the development of anti-parasitic peroxides are described in the review of Muraleedharan [50]. A number of reviews are devoted to promising anthelmintic peroxides [51]. Some natural antiviral peroxides are mentioned in the review [52]. However, none of these articles pay sufficient attention to the methods of peroxide synthesis.
Since peroxides with a related structure have different types of activity, the systematization of this review is based on the structure of the peroxide fragment ( Figure 2). The first sections consider the preparation of cyclic peroxides in order of increasing cycle and the number of oxygen atoms in it, while the last section deals with peroxides of acyclic structure. The following abbreviations are used in describing the biological activity of peroxides: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum lethal concentration (MLC), half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), concentration of inhibiting 90% of activity (IC90), half maximal effective concentration (ЕС50), and median effective dose (ED50) [53,54].

1,2-Dioxolanes
A number of cyclic peroxides, many of which exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer activity, were isolated from the marine organisms, in particular from the sponges Plakinidae [55]. Plakinic acid А (5) effectively inhibits the growth of fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium The modern trend in medicinal chemistry of peroxides is the search of effective anticancer drugs. The natural and synthetic peroxides exhibiting a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells already include hundreds of compounds [31][32][33][34]. Peroxides possessing antimalarial and cytotoxic activity are the subject of numerous studies [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42], and are not considered in this review.
In the present review, we deal with natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides exhibiting anthelmintic, antiprotozoal, fungicidal, antiviral and other activities that have not been described in detail earlier. The review is mainly concerned with the synthesis of such peroxides, as well as its isolation from natural sources and covers literature published between 1912 and 2017.
There are several review articles, where the various kinds of the biological activity of artemisinin [43][44][45] and artemether [46,47]; the problems of trematode infection therapy with artemisinin, its derivatives and several synthetic ozonides [48]; and antiviral activity of artemisinin and artesunate [49] are discussed. Advances in the development of anti-parasitic peroxides are described in the review of Muraleedharan [50]. A number of reviews are devoted to promising anthelmintic peroxides [51]. Some natural antiviral peroxides are mentioned in the review [52]. However, none of these articles pay sufficient attention to the methods of peroxide synthesis.
Since peroxides with a related structure have different types of activity, the systematization of this review is based on the structure of the peroxide fragment ( Figure 2). The first sections consider the preparation of cyclic peroxides in order of increasing cycle and the number of oxygen atoms in it, while the last section deals with peroxides of acyclic structure. The following abbreviations are used in describing the biological activity of peroxides: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum lethal concentration (MLC), half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ), concentration of inhibiting 90% of activity (IC 90 ), half maximal effective concentration (EC 50 ), and median effective dose (ED 50 ) [53,54]. The modern trend in medicinal chemistry of peroxides is the search of effective anticancer drugs. The natural and synthetic peroxides exhibiting a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells already include hundreds of compounds [31][32][33][34]. Peroxides possessing antimalarial and cytotoxic activity are the subject of numerous studies [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42], and are not considered in this review.
In the present review, we deal with natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides exhibiting anthelmintic, antiprotozoal, fungicidal, antiviral and other activities that have not been described in detail earlier. The review is mainly concerned with the synthesis of such peroxides, as well as its isolation from natural sources and covers literature published between 1912 and 2017.
There are several review articles, where the various kinds of the biological activity of artemisinin [43][44][45] and artemether [46,47]; the problems of trematode infection therapy with artemisinin, its derivatives and several synthetic ozonides [48]; and antiviral activity of artemisinin and artesunate [49] are discussed. Advances in the development of anti-parasitic peroxides are described in the review of Muraleedharan [50]. A number of reviews are devoted to promising anthelmintic peroxides [51]. Some natural antiviral peroxides are mentioned in the review [52]. However, none of these articles pay sufficient attention to the methods of peroxide synthesis.
Since peroxides with a related structure have different types of activity, the systematization of this review is based on the structure of the peroxide fragment ( Figure 2). The first sections consider the preparation of cyclic peroxides in order of increasing cycle and the number of oxygen atoms in it, while the last section deals with peroxides of acyclic structure. The following abbreviations are used in describing the biological activity of peroxides: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum lethal concentration (MLC), half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), concentration of inhibiting 90% of activity (IC90), half maximal effective concentration (ЕС50), and median effective dose (ED50) [53,54].

1,2-Dioxolanes
A number of cyclic peroxides, many of which exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer activity, were isolated from the marine organisms, in particular from the sponges Plakinidae [55]. Plakinic acid А (5) effectively inhibits the growth of fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium

1,2-Dioxolanes
A number of cyclic peroxides, many of which exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer activity, were isolated from the marine organisms, in particular from the sponges Plakinidae [55]. Plakinic acid A (5) effectively inhibits the growth of fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium atrounenetum [56]; The first synthesis of diastereomeric saturated analogs of plakinic acids A, C and D 17 was reported in 1996 by Bloodworth and colleagues [60]. Peroxides 17 were prepared in four steps from ketones 12. In the first step, ketone 12 was condensed with ethyl 3-methylbut-2-enoate with formation cyclic lactones 13 hydrolysis, which led to acids 14. Peroxymercuration of esters 15 followed by reduction with sodium borohydride afforded 1,2-dioxolanes 16 saponification, which resulted in 1,2-dioxolanes 17 with carboxylic group (Scheme 2).
The synthesis of diastereomeric 1,2-dioxolanes 22 from alkynes was described [61]. Carboalumination of alkyne 18, followed by treatment of the intermediate alkenylaluminum with acetaldehyde, resulted in an allylic alcohol that was oxidized to enone 19. Conjugate addition of H 2 O 2 to 19 in the presence of LiOH followed by acid-catalyzed esterification of diastereomeric dioxinole by 2-methoxyethanol provided alkoxydioxolane 20. Substitution of the methoxyethoxy group in 20 by the action of silyl keteneacetal ethyl thioacetal in the presence of TiCl 4 led to thioether 21 as a 1:1 mixture of two diastereomers. The hardly-separable cisand trans-diastereomeric peroxides 22 were obtained as a result of hydrolysis with high yield (Scheme 3).
In 2006, the first asymmetric synthesis of plakinic acids was reported [62]. The key step of side chain construction was synthesis of diastereomeric allylic alcohols 25 from bromobenzene. This transformation included subsequent addition Mg-organic compound to crotonaldehyde with formation of alcohol 23, Claisen homologation resulted in ester 24, and reaction of an intermediate aldehyde with propenyl lithium (Scheme 4).
As a result of following transformation epoxy alcohol 29a was prepared, which was oxidized into aldehyde; subsequent addition of methylmagnesium bromide resulted in isomeric secondary epoxy alcohols 30а and 30b (Scheme 5). After transformation of minor 30b into 30a, the latter was reduced to diol 31. The treatment of diol 31 with stoichiometric quantity of TsCl and excess of t-BuOK led to oxetane 32. The ring opening with TMSOTf provided easily separable 3-hydroxy hydroperoxides 33 and epi-33; 33 was converted into peroxy ketone 34 by subsequent silylation and oxidation. The ketone 34 was transformed into alkoxydioxolane 35, and after that into thioester 36. The desirable plakinic acids 38 were prepared by hydrolysis of methyl esters 37. A similar strategy was used for the synthesis of stereomeric acids 39 from 3-hydroxy hydroperoxide epi-33.
A total synthesis of plakortide E (11) based on radical oxygenation of vinylcyclopropanes was reported [63,64]. The key intermediate 2-ethyl-1,1,2-cyclopropanetricarboxylate (42) prepared from methylene malonate (40) and α-chloro ester 41 was transformed into lactone 43. The treatment of the latter with oxygen, Ph2Se2 and AIBN furnished spiro 1,2-dioxolane 44, followed by lactone ring opening of 44 to form diol 45. The precursor of the plakortide E 49 was synthesized from the iodo-derivative of 1,2-dioxolane 47 and the halogen derivative 48 by Negishi reaction. Desilylation of alcohol 49, subsequent oxidation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination provided ester 51 which was hydrolyzed with formation of plakortide E (11) (Scheme 6) [63]. In 2006, the first asymmetric synthesis of plakinic acids was reported [62]. The key step of side chain construction was synthesis of diastereomeric allylic alcohols 25 from bromobenzene. This transformation included subsequent addition Mg-organic compound to crotonaldehyde with formation of alcohol 23, Claisen homologation resulted in ester 24, and reaction of an intermediate aldehyde with propenyl lithium (Scheme 4).
As a result of following transformation epoxy alcohol 29a was prepared, which was oxidized into aldehyde; subsequent addition of methylmagnesium bromide resulted in isomeric secondary epoxy alcohols 30а and 30b (Scheme 5). After transformation of minor 30b into 30a, the latter was reduced to diol 31. The treatment of diol 31 with stoichiometric quantity of TsCl and excess of t-BuOK led to oxetane 32. The ring opening with TMSOTf provided easily separable 3-hydroxy hydroperoxides 33 and epi-33; 33 was converted into peroxy ketone 34 by subsequent silylation and oxidation. The ketone 34 was transformed into alkoxydioxolane 35, and after that into thioester 36. The desirable plakinic acids 38 were prepared by hydrolysis of methyl esters 37. A similar strategy was used for the synthesis of stereomeric acids 39 from 3-hydroxy hydroperoxide epi-33.
A total synthesis of plakortide E (11) based on radical oxygenation of vinylcyclopropanes was reported [63,64]. The key intermediate 2-ethyl-1,1,2-cyclopropanetricarboxylate (42) prepared from methylene malonate (40) and α-chloro ester 41 was transformed into lactone 43. The treatment of the latter with oxygen, Ph2Se2 and AIBN furnished spiro 1,2-dioxolane 44, followed by lactone ring opening of 44 to form diol 45. The precursor of the plakortide E 49 was synthesized from the iodo-derivative of 1,2-dioxolane 47 and the halogen derivative 48 by Negishi reaction. Desilylation of alcohol 49, subsequent oxidation and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination provided ester 51 which was hydrolyzed with formation of plakortide E (11) (Scheme 6) [63]. In 2006, the first asymmetric synthesis of plakinic acids was reported [62]. The key step of side chain construction was synthesis of diastereomeric allylic alcohols 25 from bromobenzene. This transformation included subsequent addition Mg-organic compound to crotonaldehyde with formation of alcohol 23, Claisen homologation resulted in ester 24, and reaction of an intermediate aldehyde with propenyl lithium (Scheme 4).
As a result of following transformation epoxy alcohol 29a was prepared, which was oxidized into aldehyde; subsequent addition of methylmagnesium bromide resulted in isomeric secondary epoxy alcohols 30a and 30b (Scheme 5). After transformation of minor 30b into 30a, the latter was reduced to diol 31. The treatment of diol 31 with stoichiometric quantity of TsCl and excess of t-BuOK led to oxetane 32. The ring opening with TMSOTf provided easily separable 3-hydroxy hydroperoxides 33 and epi-33; 33 was converted into peroxy ketone 34 by subsequent silylation and oxidation. The ketone 34 was transformed into alkoxydioxolane 35, and after that into thioester 36. The desirable plakinic acids 38 were prepared by hydrolysis of methyl esters 37. A similar strategy was used for the synthesis of stereomeric acids 39 from 3-hydroxy hydroperoxide epi-33.
Enantiomerically pure 55b was reduced by LiBH4 to alcohol 56, which was transformed to vinylether 57 by subsequent PCC oxidation and Wittig olefination. Oxidation of 57 to methyl ester 58, reductive ozonolysis of 58, and Wittig olefination gave predominantly the Z-isomer of vinyl iodide 59. The Negishi coupling of 59 with the halogen derivative led to the desired product 60.  A similar strategy based on the radical oxygenation of vinyl cyclopropanes was used for the synthesis of epiplakinic acid F (8) [65]. The vinyl cyclopropane 53 obtained from trans-1,2-cyclopropanedicarboxylate 52, was then converted to 1,2-dioxolane 55 (Scheme 7). After separation of the diastereomeric mixture isomer 55b was used for further transformations.
Enantiomerically pure 55b was reduced by LiBH 4 to alcohol 56, which was transformed to vinylether 57 by subsequent PCC oxidation and Wittig olefination. Oxidation of 57 to methyl ester 58, reductive ozonolysis of 58, and Wittig olefination gave predominantly the Z-isomer of vinyl iodide 59. The Negishi coupling of 59 with the halogen derivative led to the desired product 60. Desilylation of 60 followed by reduction of 61 resulted in saturated alcohol 62. The oxidation of 62 led to an aldehyde, the Wittig olefination of which provided the precursor 63 as a mixture of isomers. The product of photoinduced isomerization of this mixture was the trans-isomer 64. The target epiplakinic acid F (8) was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of ester 64 (Scheme 8).
The method of the preparation of andavadoic acid (76), a natural compound isolated from the sponges of Plaxortis aff simplex, based on the Isayama-Mukaiyama reaction and subsequent cyclization was known [66]. The starting substrate was epichlorohydrin (65), which was converted to epoxide 66 by a subsequent the organomagnesium compound addition and cyclization with the help of alkaline. The regioselective opening of the epoxide cycle of 66 by the lithium salt of ethyl propiolate in the presence of BF 3 resulted in the secondary alcohol 67 in almost quantitative yield. Alcohol 67 was converted into lactone 68 by reaction with Me 2 CuLi, followed by acidification. Oxidation of lactone 68 to 69, subsequent ring opening, oxidation of hydroxyl to the carbonyl group, and methylation resulted in epoxy ketone 70, which was then converted to epoxy alkene 71. Isayama-Mukaiyama peroxidation, the base-catalyzed cyclization of peroxide 72, leading to a mixture of diastereomeric 1,2-dioxolanes 73/73a followed by separation and thioacylation resulted in a peroxy thioester 74 which was converted into andavadoic acid (76) by subsequent reduction and hydrolysis of ester 75 (Scheme 9). The method of the preparation of andavadoic acid (76), a natural compound isolated from the sponges of Plaxortis aff simplex, based on the Isayama−Mukaiyama reaction and subsequent cyclization was known [66]. The starting substrate was epichlorohydrin (65), which was converted to epoxide 66 by a subsequent the organomagnesium compound addition and cyclization with the help of alkaline. The regioselective opening of the epoxide cycle of 66 by the lithium salt of ethyl propiolate in the presence of BF3 resulted in the secondary alcohol 67 in almost quantitative yield. Alcohol 67 was converted into lactone 68 by reaction with Me2CuLi, followed by acidification. Oxidation of lactone 68 to 69, subsequent ring opening, oxidation of hydroxyl to the carbonyl group, and methylation resulted in epoxy ketone 70, which was then converted to epoxy alkene 71. Isayama-Mukaiyama peroxidation, the base-catalyzed cyclization of peroxide 72, leading to a mixture of diastereomeric 1,2-dioxolanes 73/73a followed by separation and thioacylation resulted in a peroxy thioester 74 which was converted into andavadoic acid (76) by subsequent reduction and hydrolysis of ester 75 (Scheme 9).  The diterpenoid peroxide 86, which has a weak fungicidal activity against C. albicans, was isolated from the liverwort Jungermannia atrobrunnea (Scheme 12) [70]. Dinardokanshone B (87), sesquiterpene peroxide, isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal.
The ozonides OZ78 (98) and OZ288 (99) showed low toxicity and high efficiency against helminth cultures Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum harboured in mice and hamsters with a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg [82,83]. Antichistosomal activity of OZ78 (98) against S. japonicum was confirmed in experiments in mice and rabbits [84]. Later, the promising ozonide OZ418 (100) with high activity against both helminths of S. mansoni and S. haematobium was discovered [85].
Synthesis of tetrasubstituted unsymmetrical ozonides was discovered by Griesbaum and colleagues in 1995 (Scheme 17, top) [86,87]. Later this method was used for the diastereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted ozonides 103. Peroxides 103 were prepared by ozonolysis of 2-adamantanone O-methyl oxime (101) in the presence of substituted cyclohexanones 102 (Scheme 17, bottom) [88,89]. 1,2,4-Trioxolane ring in compounds 103 is resistant to the action of a wide range of reagents, which allows to proceed a variety of modifications of the cyclohexane substituent [88]. confirmed in experiments in mice and rabbits [84]. Later, the promising ozonide OZ418 (100) with high activity against both helminths of S. mansoni and S. haematobium was discovered [85]. Synthesis of tetrasubstituted unsymmetrical ozonides was discovered by Griesbaum and colleagues in 1995 (Scheme 17, top) [86,87]. Later this method was used for the diastereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted ozonides 103. Peroxides 103 were prepared by ozonolysis of 2-adamantanone O-methyl oxime (101) in the presence of substituted cyclohexanones 102 (Scheme 17, bottom) [88,89]. 1,2,4-Trioxolane ring in compounds 103 is resistant to the action of a wide range of reagents, which allows to proceed a variety of modifications of the cyclohexane substituent [88].
Several synthetic approaches to plakinic acids and their derivatives containing 1,2-dioxane ring were described. Natural 6-epiplakortolide E (127) was firstly synthesized from available 1-bromo-10-phenyldecane (117) in 10 steps by Diels-Alder reaction with singlet oxygen followed by iodolactonization (Scheme 20) [100]. In the first stage, the addition of the organomagnesium reagent to the unsaturated ketone resulted in enone 118, which was converted to a tertiary alcohol 119. Hydroboration of 119 led to diol 120, protection of hydroxyl group of which provide silyl ether 121. Diels-Alder reaction of diene 122 prepared by dehydration of 121 with singlet oxygen resulted in diastereomeric 1,2-dioxanes 123а and 123b. Deprotected diastereomer 124 was oxidized to acid 125, subsequent iodolactonization of this acid gave bicycle 126. Desirable 6-epiplakortolide E (127) was formed as result of radical reduction of iodine-containing bicycle 126. It was noted that related plakortolide G (128) is active against the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii [101].
Several synthetic approaches to plakinic acids and their derivatives containing 1,2-dioxane ring were described. Natural 6-epiplakortolide E (127) was firstly synthesized from available 1-bromo-10-phenyldecane (117) in 10 steps by Diels-Alder reaction with singlet oxygen followed by iodolactonization (Scheme 20) [100]. In the first stage, the addition of the organomagnesium reagent to the unsaturated ketone resulted in enone 118, which was converted to a tertiary alcohol 119. Hydroboration of 119 led to diol 120, protection of hydroxyl group of which provide silyl ether 121. Diels-Alder reaction of diene 122 prepared by dehydration of 121 with singlet oxygen resulted in diastereomeric 1,2-dioxanes 123a and 123b. Deprotected diastereomer 124 was oxidized to acid 125, subsequent iodolactonization of this acid gave bicycle 126. Desirable 6-epiplakortolide E (127) was formed as result of radical reduction of iodine-containing bicycle 126. It was noted that related plakortolide G (128) is active against the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii [101].

1,2-Dioxenes
The plant Chenopodium ambrosioides is used for the production of essential chenopodium oil, which has been used as an anthelmintic agent for a long time [107,108]. The first isolation of the most active component-ascaridole (174), from the Chenopodium ambrosioides and the determination of its structure was dated to the beginning of the last century [109][110][111][112]. In the 1950s, the ascaridole (174) was completely characterized (Scheme 26) [113,114].
The first laboratory synthesis of ascaridole (174) was performed via photo-induced addition of singlet oxygen to terpene 173 by Schenck in 1944 (Scheme 26) [115]. Later, this reaction was realized in an industrial scale, because ascaridole was of great importance as an anthelmintic agent [116]. The method for the preparation of ascaridole using singlet oxygen generated in situ from sodium molybdate and hydrogen peroxide is known [117]. It was shown that ascaridole (174) at concentration 4 mM almost completely inhibits the growth of fungi Sclerotium rolfsii [118]. Presently, the side effects of ascaridole on the gastrointestinal tract have been described, and ascaridole is currently not used [119].

1,2-Dioxenes
The plant Chenopodium ambrosioides is used for the production of essential chenopodium oil, which has been used as an anthelmintic agent for a long time [107,108]. The first isolation of the most active component-ascaridole (174), from the Chenopodium ambrosioides and the determination of its structure was dated to the beginning of the last century [109][110][111][112]. In the 1950s, the ascaridole (174) was completely characterized (Scheme 26) [113,114].
The first laboratory synthesis of ascaridole (174) was performed via photo-induced addition of singlet oxygen to terpene 173 by Schenck in 1944 (Scheme 26) [115]. Later, this reaction was realized in an industrial scale, because ascaridole was of great importance as an anthelmintic agent [116]. The method for the preparation of ascaridole using singlet oxygen generated in situ from sodium molybdate and hydrogen peroxide is known [117].

1,2-Dioxenes
The plant Chenopodium ambrosioides is used for the production of essential chenopodium oil, which has been used as an anthelmintic agent for a long time [107,108]. The first isolation of the most active component-ascaridole (174), from the Chenopodium ambrosioides and the determination of its structure was dated to the beginning of the last century [109][110][111][112]. In the 1950s, the ascaridole (174) was completely characterized (Scheme 26) [113,114].
The first laboratory synthesis of ascaridole (174) was performed via photo-induced addition of singlet oxygen to terpene 173 by Schenck in 1944 (Scheme 26) [115]. Later, this reaction was realized in an industrial scale, because ascaridole was of great importance as an anthelmintic agent [116]. The method for the preparation of ascaridole using singlet oxygen generated in situ from sodium molybdate and hydrogen peroxide is known [117]. It was shown that ascaridole (174) at concentration 4 mM almost completely inhibits the growth of fungi Sclerotium rolfsii [118]. Presently, the side effects of ascaridole on the gastrointestinal tract have been described, and ascaridole is currently not used [119].

Scheme 26. Ascaridole synthesis (174).
It was shown that ascaridole (174) at concentration 4 mM almost completely inhibits the growth of fungi Sclerotium rolfsii [118]. Presently, the side effects of ascaridole on the gastrointestinal tract have been described, and ascaridole is currently not used [119].
In 1990, Gunasekera with colleagues isolated 1,2-dioxenes 175 and 176 from sea sponge Plakortis angulospiculatus (Scheme 27) [120]. It was shown that these natural peroxides exhibit antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC = 1.6 µg/mL). The total synthesis of stereoisomeric 1,2-dioxenes 185 was performed in 18 steps with a total yield of 2.8% (Scheme 28) [121]. The treatment of hydroxy ester 177 with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride followed by DIBAL reduction and replacement of hydroxyl by iodine provided iodide 178, which was converted into aldehyde 179 by subsequent asymmetric alkylation, reduction of prepared amide into alcohol and Swern oxidation. The total synthesis of stereoisomeric 1,2-dioxenes 185 was performed in 18 steps with a total yield of 2.8% (Scheme 28) [121]. The treatment of hydroxy ester 177 with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride followed by DIBAL reduction and replacement of hydroxyl by iodine provided iodide 178, which was converted into aldehyde 179 by subsequent asymmetric alkylation, reduction of prepared amide into alcohol and Swern oxidation. The total synthesis of stereoisomeric 1,2-dioxenes 185 was performed in 18 steps with a total yield of 2.8% (Scheme 28) [121]. The treatment of hydroxy ester 177 with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride followed by DIBAL reduction and replacement of hydroxyl by iodine provided iodide 178, which was converted into aldehyde 179 by subsequent asymmetric alkylation, reduction of prepared amide into alcohol and Swern oxidation. The cyclic peroxide shuangkangsu (186) isolated from the buds of Lonicera japonica showed high antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus on the cell lines and influenza virus in the chicken embryos (Scheme 29) [122]. The cyclic peroxide shuangkangsu (186) isolated from the buds of Lonicera japonica showed high antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus on the cell lines and influenza virus in the chicken embryos (Scheme 29) [122].

1,2,4-Trioxanes
Among the class of 1,2,4-trioxane, various aspects of the biological activity of artemisinin and its derivatives are studied most extensively. Synthetic strategies for peroxide ring construction in artemisinin were discussed in detail [130]. Compared with other methods the synthesis of artemisinin (1) based on dihydroartemisinic acid seems most preferable [131], as it can satisfy the demand for cheaper production of sufficient quantities of artemisinin. The key stages of the transformation of dihydroartemisinic acid into artemisinin (1) are described in the fundamental studies of Richard K. Haynes [132].  [127]. Later, a wide range of derivatives 196, 197 and 198 that inhibits Candida albicans was synthesized [128]. 1,2-Dioxene 196a showed high antifungal activity against C. tropicalis and C. krusei [129].  [127]. Later, a wide range of derivatives 196, 197 and 198 that inhibits Candida albicans was synthesized [128]. 1,2-Dioxene 196а showed high antifungal activity against C. tropicalis and C. krusei [129].

1,2,4-Trioxanes
Among the class of 1,2,4-trioxane, various aspects of the biological activity of artemisinin and its derivatives are studied most extensively. Synthetic strategies for peroxide ring construction in artemisinin were discussed in detail [130]. Compared with other methods the synthesis of artemisinin (1) based on dihydroartemisinic acid seems most preferable [131], as it can satisfy the demand for cheaper production of sufficient quantities of artemisinin. The key stages of the transformation of dihydroartemisinic acid into artemisinin (1) are described in the fundamental studies of Richard K. Haynes [132].

1,2,4-Trioxanes
Among the class of 1,2,4-trioxane, various aspects of the biological activity of artemisinin and its derivatives are studied most extensively. Synthetic strategies for peroxide ring construction in artemisinin were discussed in detail [130]. Compared with other methods the synthesis of artemisinin (1) based on dihydroartemisinic acid seems most preferable [131], as it can satisfy the demand for cheaper production of sufficient quantities of artemisinin. The key stages of the transformation of dihydroartemisinic acid into artemisinin (1) are described in the fundamental studies of Richard K. Haynes [132].
In addition to antimalarial and cytotoxic activity, artemisinin (1) has activity against trypanosomatides Leishmania major [133], Leishmania donovani [134], Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma cruzi [135], as well as parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Scheme 33) [136]. Artemisinin showed a synergistic or additive effect in combination with itraconazole against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus [137], as well as moderate activity against Fusarium oxysporum [138]. Antiviral activity of artemisinin (1) was reported in few studies; inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) at 60% in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [139], the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human liver cells [140], the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) [141], as well as hepatitis B virus [142] was shown. In addition to antimalarial and cytotoxic activity, artemisinin (1) has activity against trypanosomatides Leishmania major [133], Leishmania donovani [134], Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma cruzi [135], as well as parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Scheme 33) [136]. Artemisinin showed a synergistic or additive effect in combination with itraconazole against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus [137], as well as moderate activity against Fusarium oxysporum [138]. Antiviral activity of artemisinin (1) was reported in few studies; inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) at 60% in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [139], the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human liver cells [140], the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) [141], as well as hepatitis B virus [142] was shown. Artemisinin derivative, artemether (3), is actively used to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by flat worms of the genus Schistosomiasis [46,47]. A double-blind field trial in the Poyang Lake region (southern China) confirmed that artemether (3) significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of S. japonicum infection and does not cause side effects [143]. Despite the proven pathogenic effects on the reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica [144,145], artemether (3) had practically no effect in the treatment of fascioliasis in humans [146]. Artemether activity against Leishmania major [133], and Toxoplasma gondii [136,147] was detected; it was shown also that artemether is effective in the treatment of experimental rheumatoid arthritis [148,149]. Artemether (3) is obtained by reduction of artemisinin (1) to dihydroartemisinin (2) followed by methylation (Scheme 34) [150,151]. This synthesis can be performed in flow reactor [152,153].

Scheme 34. Synthesis of artemether (3) and its bioactivity.
Artesunate (4), artemisinin derivative containing free carboxylic group showed high efficiency against S. japonicum [154,155], and also in the therapy of fascioliasis caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica (Scheme 35) [156]. It was determined that artesunate (4) causes changes in the reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica [144]. Antiviral activity of artesunate is displayed against the Scheme 33. Artemisinin and various types of its bioactivity.
Artemisinin derivative, artemether (3), is actively used to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by flat worms of the genus Schistosomiasis [46,47]. A double-blind field trial in the Poyang Lake region (southern China) confirmed that artemether (3) significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of S. japonicum infection and does not cause side effects [143]. Despite the proven pathogenic effects on the reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica [144,145], artemether (3) had practically no effect in the treatment of fascioliasis in humans [146]. Artemether activity against Leishmania major [133], and Toxoplasma gondii [136,147] was detected; it was shown also that artemether is effective in the treatment of experimental rheumatoid arthritis [148,149]. Artemether (3) is obtained by reduction of artemisinin (1) to dihydroartemisinin (2) followed by methylation (Scheme 34) [150,151]. This synthesis can be performed in flow reactor [152,153]. In addition to antimalarial and cytotoxic activity, artemisinin (1) has activity against trypanosomatides Leishmania major [133], Leishmania donovani [134], Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma cruzi [135], as well as parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Scheme 33) [136]. Artemisinin showed a synergistic or additive effect in combination with itraconazole against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus [137], as well as moderate activity against Fusarium oxysporum [138]. Antiviral activity of artemisinin (1) was reported in few studies; inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) at 60% in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [139], the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human liver cells [140], the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) [141], as well as hepatitis B virus [142] was shown. Artemisinin derivative, artemether (3), is actively used to treat schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by flat worms of the genus Schistosomiasis [46,47]. A double-blind field trial in the Poyang Lake region (southern China) confirmed that artemether (3) significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of S. japonicum infection and does not cause side effects [143]. Despite the proven pathogenic effects on the reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica [144,145], artemether (3) had practically no effect in the treatment of fascioliasis in humans [146]. Artemether activity against Leishmania major [133], and Toxoplasma gondii [136,147] was detected; it was shown also that artemether is effective in the treatment of experimental rheumatoid arthritis [148,149]. Artemether (3) is obtained by reduction of artemisinin (1) to dihydroartemisinin (2) followed by methylation (Scheme 34) [150,151]. This synthesis can be performed in flow reactor [152,153]. Artesunate (4), artemisinin derivative containing free carboxylic group showed high efficiency against S. japonicum [154,155], and also in the therapy of fascioliasis caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica (Scheme 35) [156]. It was determined that artesunate (4) causes changes in the reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica [144]. Antiviral activity of artesunate is displayed against the Scheme 34. Synthesis of artemether (3) and its bioactivity.

Scheme 35. Synthesis of artesunate (4) and its bioactivity.
The library of 10-deoxo-derivativies of artemisinin 205 showed high activity against parasites Leishmania donovani (Scheme 36). Synthesis of 205 was performed from artemisitene 199 by radical addition of compound 200 followed by reduction of carbonyl group in 202. Dehydration and deprotection resulted in phenol 204, which formed a series of compounds 205 by reaction with derivatives of carboxylic and sulfonic acids [165]. Attempts to synthesize the antitoxoplasma derivatives of artemisinin have been made [147,166], however their in vitro activity did not exceed the activity of artemether (3).

199
Among artemisinin derivatives tested for fungicidal activity, anhydrodihydroartemisinin (206) and arteether (207) were most active against Cryptoccocus neoformans [167], their activity surpassed the one of amphotericin B. Both derivatives were obtained [168,169] in one step from dihydroartemisinin (2) (Scheme 37). Later it was found that arteether (207) [170] exhibits moderate antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus and anhydrodihydroartemisinin (206) [171] is high active against hepatitis B virus. Attempts to synthesize the antitoxoplasma derivatives of artemisinin have been made [147,166], however their in vitro activity did not exceed the activity of artemether (3).
A new trend in the medical chemistry of artemisinin derivatives is the synthesis of dimers and trimers. Among a series of artemisinin dimers obtained by condensation of dihydroartemisinin (2) with binucleophile, compounds 212 and 213 showed the highest activity against fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and parasites Leishmania donovani, respectively (Scheme 40) [174]. Scheme 37. Antifungal and antiviral artemisinin derivatives-anhydrodihydroartemisinin (206) and arteether (207).
High antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus [170] was demonstrated by butyl-derivative of artemisinin 209, prepared via photo-oxidation of alcohol 208 with 12% yield (Scheme 38) [172]. Attempts to synthesize the antitoxoplasma derivatives of artemisinin have been made [147,166], however their in vitro activity did not exceed the activity of artemether (3).
A new trend in the medical chemistry of artemisinin derivatives is the synthesis of dimers and trimers. Among a series of artemisinin dimers obtained by condensation of dihydroartemisinin (2) with binucleophile, compounds 212 and 213 showed the highest activity against fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and parasites Leishmania donovani, respectively (Scheme 40) [174]. Combination of dihydroartemisinin (2) with antiviral drug azidothymidine (210) resulted in compound 211 exhibited both antimalarial as antiviral activity (Scheme 39) [173].
A new trend in the medical chemistry of artemisinin derivatives is the synthesis of dimers and trimers. Among a series of artemisinin dimers obtained by condensation of dihydroartemisinin (2) with binucleophile, compounds 212 and 213 showed the highest activity against fungi Cryptococcus neoformans and parasites Leishmania donovani, respectively (Scheme 40) [174]. Dimers and trimers of artemisinin showed antiviral activity were summarized in Table 1.  Dimers and trimers of artemisinin showed antiviral activity were summarized in Table 1. Dimers and trimers of artemisinin showed antiviral activity were summarized in Table 1.  Dimers and trimers of artemisinin showed antiviral activity were summarized in Table 1.  Dimers and trimers of artemisinin showed antiviral activity were summarized in Table 1.  Based on related 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes 227, hybrids 229 with a fragment of an anthelmintic drug praziquantel 228 were obtained (Scheme 43) [190]. Synthesized hybrids 229 exhibit high activity against Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mansoni [191].

Acyclic Peroxides
Many acyclic peroxides are applied as oxidants in organic synthesis [195,196]. Benzoyl peroxide (234) is actively used in the food industry as a flour bleach [197][198][199], and in pharmaceuticals. The first mention about the medical using of benzoyl peroxide dates back to 1929, where Lyon and Reynolds reported effective treatment of burns, wounds and varicose veins by benzoyl peroxide [200]. Subsequently it was found that it has antibacterial [201,202], anti-inflammatory [203], cheratolic [204], and wound-healing [205,206] effects. Presently, benzoyl peroxide is widely used agent for acne treatment because of its efficacy and good tolerability in patients [207,208]. Benzoyl peroxide is a good alternative to monotherapy with antibiotics for the treatment of Acne vulgaris caused antibiotic-resistant strains, for example Propionibacterium acnes [209,210].
Benzoyl peroxide is commercially produced by the reaction of benzoyl chloride (232), sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide (Scheme 45, top) [211,212]. Benzoyl peroxide can also be prepared from benzoic anhydride (233) by the action of an alkali metal perborate in an aqueous solution (Scheme 45, bottom) [213].

Acyclic Peroxides
Many acyclic peroxides are applied as oxidants in organic synthesis [195,196]. Benzoyl peroxide (234) is actively used in the food industry as a flour bleach [197][198][199], and in pharmaceuticals. The first mention about the medical using of benzoyl peroxide dates back to 1929, where Lyon and Reynolds reported effective treatment of burns, wounds and varicose veins by benzoyl peroxide [200]. Subsequently it was found that it has antibacterial [201,202], anti-inflammatory [203], cheratolic [204], and wound-healing [205,206] effects. Presently, benzoyl peroxide is widely used agent for acne treatment because of its efficacy and good tolerability in patients [207,208]. Benzoyl peroxide is a good alternative to monotherapy with antibiotics for the treatment of Acne vulgaris caused antibiotic-resistant strains, for example Propionibacterium acnes [209,210].
Benzoyl peroxide is commercially produced by the reaction of benzoyl chloride (232), sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide (Scheme 45, top) [211,212]. Benzoyl peroxide can also be prepared from benzoic anhydride (233) by the action of an alkali metal perborate in an aqueous solution (Scheme 45, bottom) [213].  [74,192]. The best result was shown for adamantane-substituted tetraoxane 231a which caused 75% worm burden reductions in S. mansoni harbored in mice following the administration of peroxide at single oral dose of 400 mg/kg. Peroxides 231 were synthesized from β-diketones 230 and H2O2 with good yields by the action of various acids: sulfuric [193], phosphomolybdic and phosphotungstic acids [194]

Acyclic Peroxides
Many acyclic peroxides are applied as oxidants in organic synthesis [195,196]. Benzoyl peroxide (234) is actively used in the food industry as a flour bleach [197][198][199], and in pharmaceuticals. The first mention about the medical using of benzoyl peroxide dates back to 1929, where Lyon and Reynolds reported effective treatment of burns, wounds and varicose veins by benzoyl peroxide [200]. Subsequently it was found that it has antibacterial [201,202], anti-inflammatory [203], cheratolic [204], and wound-healing [205,206] effects. Presently, benzoyl peroxide is widely used agent for acne treatment because of its efficacy and good tolerability in patients [207,208]. Benzoyl peroxide is a good alternative to monotherapy with antibiotics for the treatment of Acne vulgaris caused antibiotic-resistant strains, for example Propionibacterium acnes [209,210].

Conclusions
The biological activity of organic peroxides is usually associated with the antimalarial properties of artemisinin and its derivatives. However, the analysis of published data indicates that organic peroxides exhibit a variety of biological activity-anthelmintic, antifungal, antiviral, etc.-which is still being given insufficient attention.
Efforts of synthetic chemists are currently directed at the development of methods for the synthesis of biologically active natural peroxides, the modification of natural peroxides and the search of synthetic peroxides, which are not inferior to their natural and semisynthetic analogs, but are substantially cheaper. It seems that progress in the synthesis of biologically active peroxides will be mainly related to the last two directions.
In view of very dynamic development of these areas of medical chemistry, in the near future, one should expect a breakthrough in the synthesis of biologically active peroxides and in understanding of its action with respect to a wide range of bio-targets.

Conclusions
The biological activity of organic peroxides is usually associated with the antimalarial properties of artemisinin and its derivatives. However, the analysis of published data indicates that organic peroxides exhibit a variety of biological activity-anthelmintic, antifungal, antiviral, etc.-which is still being given insufficient attention.
Efforts of synthetic chemists are currently directed at the development of methods for the synthesis of biologically active natural peroxides, the modification of natural peroxides and the search of synthetic peroxides, which are not inferior to their natural and semisynthetic analogs, but are substantially cheaper. It seems that progress in the synthesis of biologically active peroxides will be mainly related to the last two directions.
In view of very dynamic development of these areas of medical chemistry, in the near future, one should expect a breakthrough in the synthesis of biologically active peroxides and in understanding of its action with respect to a wide range of bio-targets.